sea level

[/siː ˈlɛvəl/]
nounpl: sea levels
nível do mar
1. the average height of the surface of the sea, used as a standard reference point for measuring elevation and altitude
The city is located 500 meters above sea level.
A cidade fica localizada a 500 metros acima do nível do mar.
2. the datum plane against which land elevation, ocean depth, and atmospheric pressure are measured
Sea level is determined by averaging measurements over a long period of time.
O nível do mar é determinado pela média de medições em um longo período de tempo.
3. the baseline or zero reference point in geographical and geological contexts
Mount Everest rises 8,849 meters above sea level.
O Monte Everest se eleva 8.849 metros acima do nível do mar.
Sea level is a crucial reference point in both Brazilian and American geography, engineering, and environmental discussions. In Brazil, with extensive coastal areas and varied topography, measurements relative to 'nível do mar' are essential in urban planning and infrastructure. In the USA, sea level is particularly significant for coastal cities, airport elevations, and understanding climate change impacts. The term is standardized internationally for scientific and navigational purposes.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mean sea levelMSLwater levelocean level

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
nível do mar
most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
nível do mar
standard usage; important reference for coastal geography
São Paulo
nível do mar
standard usage in engineering and mapping contexts
Portugal
nível médio das águas
alternative formal expression occasionally used in Portuguese Portuguese

Related Words

altitudeelevationtideoceanreference pointtopographybathymetry

Related Idioms & Phrases

below sea level - abaixo do nível do mar
above sea level - acima do nível do mar
at sea level - ao nível do mar
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