Waves from Radar Altimetry Satellites
Competency Framework
WMO Satellite Skills
Application
Description
Retrieval of wave parameters with Altimeter; Wind and wave from radar altimetry satellites: measurements and uses.
Content
Radar altimetry satellites have been measuring the Earth’s ocean since 1991. Currently Jason-2, Envisat and Jason-1 are operational. If the main objective of those are the measurement of sea surface height, wind speed (modulus) and significant wave heights are very useful - bonuses - to these techniques. The presentation will explain how these quantities are retrieved from the altimeter measurements, and how they are used in meteorology, climatology and oceanography.