Sea level oscillations in Wellington Harbour

Periods of oscillations of sea level in Wellington Harbour, New Zealand (41° 17'S, 174° 52’ E), are calculated by spectral analysis of the residual elevations observed in tide gauge records. These periods are compared with those computed by numerically integrating a one‐dimensional linear momentum equation and the continuity equation. The two main oscillations are the first harmonics along and across the harbour with periods of about 27 and 22 min respectively — the second harmonics were also observed. The quarter wavelength oscillation with forcing at the mouth which was excited by the 1960 Chilean Tsunami has a period of about 160 min.