ENSO-induced inter-annual sea level variability in the Singapore Strait

Sea level data from four tide gauge stations in the SS (Tanjong Pagar, Sultan Shoal, Sembawang and Raffles Lighthouse) for the period 1970 – 2012 were extracted to study the ENSO-induced interannual sea level variability. Sea level during this period is dominated by inter-annual fluctuations. Monthly sea level anomalies were filtered using a Butterworth low pass filter to obtain inter-annual signals. It is found that at interannual scale, sea level and ENSO index vary coherently in the SS: drops are associated with El Nino phase and rises are related to La Nina episodes. Wind stress variations and reduced SCS volume transport play significant roles in ENSO-induced sea level variability.