Sea level stations in Haiti: An analysis of performance from 2011-2016

Haiti, a Caribbean island with a history of destructive tsunamis, began establishing a warning system for tsunamis and other coastal hazards during 2010 in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake of January 10 of the same year.  After this devastating event, Haiti and many other countries became aware of the importance of being prepared.  From 2011 to 2013, a total of three sea level stations, Cap Haïtien, Jacmel and Port au Prince, were installed in Haiti and added to the regional network.  They stream continuous data to the National Tsunami Warning Center and Tsunami Warning Focal Point of Haiti, as well as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the regional Tsunami Service Provider.  These centers continuously monitor the sea level data to detect tsunamis and validate and improve tsunami travel time and impact forecasts.  With this information, the centers generate alert messages for the public so that adequate response is taken. While the UNESCO IOC Sea Level Monitoring Facility provided information and display of data, the Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program (CTWP) of the US National Weather Service monitors the status of sea level stations as a contribution to the UNESCO IOC Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (CARIBE EWS).  This study analyzes the performance of all sea level sensors at the three stations.  The analysis spans a period of almost five years from 2011 to 2016. Data delivery from these instruments has been variable through the years. Gaps in sea level data availability were detected in some sensors.  These can have an impact on tsunami warning response. In addition to tsunami applications, the data are also important for  climate, weather and  marine services among others.