The elevation of the ocean is affected by a number of factors, including:
* The Earth's gravity: The Earth's gravity pulls the water in the ocean towards the center of the Earth. This creates a force that causes the water to bulge out at the equator and to flatten out at the poles.
* The Earth's rotation: The Earth's rotation creates a centrifugal force that opposes the force of gravity. This centrifugal force causes the water in the ocean to bulge out slightly at the equator.
* The distribution of land and water: The distribution of land and water on the Earth's surface also affects the elevation of the ocean. The water in the ocean tends to be higher near landmasses and lower in the middle of the ocean.
The elevation of the ocean is important for a number of reasons. It affects the climate of the Earth, the ocean currents, and the distribution of marine life.