Which meteorological factors are measured by tidal gauges for their impact on sea levels?

Tidal gauges are instrumental in measuring sea levels, and the factors that significantly impact these measurements include barometric pressure and wind speed. Barometric pressure is crucial because variations in atmospheric pressure can lead to changes in sea level; lower pressure can cause the sea level to rise, while higher pressure can lead to a decrease. Wind speed also plays a critical role, as strong winds can push water toward the shore, elevating sea levels temporarily in coastal areas, or can create waves and influence water movement, which affects the readings of tidal gauges.

Other factors listed, such as humidity, temperature, ocean currents, salinity, cloud cover, and precipitation, may indirectly affect sea level readings, but they do not have the same direct and immediate impact as barometric pressure and wind speed. Therefore, focusing on these two factors is essential when considering the influences on sea level measurements taken by tidal gauges.