Satellite altimetry

Definition

Satellite altimetry is a remote sensing technique that uses satellites to measure the distance from the satellite to the ocean surface, allowing for the assessment of sea surface height and topography. This technology provides crucial data for understanding ocean dynamics, marine geology, and the Earth's climate system, as well as monitoring changes in sea level, which can be linked to global warming and tectonic activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Satellite altimetry allows for global coverage of the oceans, providing consistent and repetitive measurements of sea surface heights across vast areas.
2. The data collected from satellite altimetry is essential for understanding ocean circulation patterns, which are critical for climate modeling and weather prediction.
3. In addition to measuring sea level changes, satellite altimetry can help detect variations in ocean currents and wind patterns by analyzing surface height anomalies.
4. One of the most significant missions in satellite altimetry was NASA's TOPEX/Poseidon mission, which helped establish a precise measurement system for monitoring global sea levels from 1992 to 2006.
5. Satellite altimetry plays a key role in assessing the impacts of climate change on polar ice sheets by providing data on ice thickness and changes in ice mass balance.

Review Questions

• How does satellite altimetry contribute to our understanding of ocean circulation patterns?
  • Satellite altimetry contributes to our understanding of ocean circulation patterns by providing accurate measurements of sea surface heights over large areas. These measurements allow scientists to identify variations in ocean currents and their interactions with wind patterns. By analyzing these data, researchers can better understand how ocean circulation affects climate systems, weather patterns, and overall marine ecosystems.
• Discuss the significance of the TOPEX/Poseidon mission in advancing satellite altimetry technology and its impact on sea level monitoring.
  • The TOPEX/Poseidon mission was pivotal in advancing satellite altimetry technology as it provided high-resolution measurements of sea surface height, improving our ability to monitor global sea levels accurately. Launched in 1992, this mission established a benchmark for future altimetric missions, allowing researchers to assess long-term trends in sea level rise due to climate change. The data collected has been invaluable in understanding regional differences in sea level changes and their implications for coastal communities.
• Evaluate the broader implications of satellite altimetry data on climate change research and policy-making.
  • Satellite altimetry data has profound implications for climate change research and policy-making as it provides critical insights into sea level rise and ocean dynamics. By offering precise measurements of changes in sea surface heights, scientists can track how melting ice sheets contribute to rising seas. This information is essential for informing coastal management strategies, disaster preparedness, and international climate agreements. As policymakers face the challenges posed by climate change, satellite altimetry data serves as a vital tool for understanding risks and guiding effective responses.

Related terms

Geoid: The geoid is an equipotential surface that represents the Earth's mean sea level and serves as a reference for measuring elevations and depths.

Bathymetry: Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake beds, often represented through maps and profiles showing the topography of submerged landscapes.

Remote Sensing: Remote sensing involves collecting data about an object or area from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery to analyze various environmental factors.