Satellite Altimetry: sailing closer to the coast
Authors: Vignudelli S., Cipollini P., Gommenginger C., Snaith H., Coelho H., Fernandes J., Lazaro C., Nunes A., Gómez-Enri J., Martin-Puig C., Woodworth P., Dinardo S., Benveniste J.
Journal: Remote Sensing of the Changing Oceans
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-16541-2_11
Abstract:
In this chapter we review the history of coastal altimetry. We illustrate the challenges associated with data processing, improvement and exploitation, including: (1) what altimeter data are available today and what are the issues in coastal zones; (2) what efforts are underway to fill the gaps in coastal altimetry and what still needs to be done; (3) how coastal altimetry can be used in support of coastal oceanography. After nearly two decades of data collection near coasts, the planned reprocessing of the multi-mission global record now appears to be necessary for full exploitation of satellite altimetry for coastal oceanography. We will focus on the European research efforts, in particular the main outcomes of the COASTALT project, by showcasing improved corrections (with special emphasis on the wet tropospheric effect), waveform analysis and novel retracking techniques, as well as the structure of the new processor for Envisat RA-2 coastal records. This is of interest to a broad range of data integrators who will be able to use the improved altimeter data in their operational products or services.
Keywords: ALBICOCCA, ALTICORE, Altimeter data corrections, Climate change, Coastal currents, Coastal zone altimetry, COASTALT, Delay-Doppler, Digital elevation model, DORIS, Envisat, ERS-1, ERS-2, Geoid, Global navigation satellite system, GNSS-derived Path Delay, GNSS, Jason-1, Jason-2, Mediterranean Sea, Microwave radiometer (MWR), Microwave radiometry, Ocean currents, PISTACH, Retracking, River and lake level, SAR mode, Satellite radar altimetry, Sea surface topography, Sea level, Sea level anomaly, Sea surface height, Tide gauge, Tides, TOPEX/Poseidon, Validation, Water vapour, Wave height, Waveforms, Wet tropospheric correction, Wind speed
