Satellite Altimetry In Geodesy And Oceanography

The book content corresponds to a course of the International Summer School of Theoretical Geodesy held every 4 years under the sponsorship of the International Association of Geodesy. This particular course, that was given at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, has been dedicated to the theory of satellite altimetry as a response to the increasing need of scientific work in this field due to important recent and forthcoming space mission. The course was conceived to supply a good theoretical basis in both disciplines, i.e. geodesy and oceanography, which are deeply involved in the analysis and in the use of the altimetric signal. The main items of interest are the physical theory of ocean circulation, the theory of tides and the ocean time-variability, from the point of view of oceanography and the orbit theory, with particular regard to the formation of the radial orbital error, the so-called cross over adjustment, the analysis of geodetic boundary value problems, the integrated determination of the gravity field and of the radial orbital error, from the point of view of geodesy. All these arguments are treated from the foundation by very-well experts of the various fields, to introduce the reader into the more difficult subjects on which advanced research is currently performed. The peculiarity of the book is in its interdisciplinarity as it can serve to both communities of oceanographers and geodesists to get acquainted with advanced aspects one of the other.

This volume covers a broad range of altimetry applications, including marine gravity and geoid, sea level change, ocean tide modeling, ocean circulations, marine plate tectonics, mesoscale eddies and bathymetry predictions. Virtually all disciplines of earth sciences are touched upon through the technique of satellite altimetry. Readers will find useful data processing techniques and novel applications of satellite altimetry, which otherwise are scattered in journals and special books.

The book content corresponds to a course of the International Summer School of Theoretical Geodesy held every 4 years under the sponsorship of the International Association of Geodesy. This particular course, that was given at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, has been dedicated to the theory of satellite altimetry as a response to the increasing need of scientific work in this field due to important recent and forthcoming space mission. The course was conceived to supply a good theoretical basis in both disciplines, i.e. geodesy and oceanography, which are deeply involved in the analysis and in the use of the altimetric signal. The main items of interest are the physical theory of ocean circulation, the theory of tides and the ocean time-variability, from the point of view of oceanography and the orbit theory, with particular regard to the formation of the radial orbital error, the so-called cross over adjustment, the analysis of geodetic boundary value problems, the integrated determination of the gravity field and of the radial orbital error, from the point of view of geodesy. All these arguments are treated from the foundation by very-well experts of the various fields, to introduce the reader into the more difficult subjects on which advanced research is currently performed. The peculiarity of the book is in its interdisciplinarity as it can serve to both communities of oceanographers and geodesists to get acquainted with advanced aspects one of the other.

The new level of precision and global coverage provided by satellite altimetry is rapidly advancing studies of ocean circulation. It allows for new insights into marine geodesy, ice sheet movements, plate tectonics, and for the first time provides high-resolution bathymetry for previously unmapped regions of our watery planet and crucial information on the large-scale ocean features on intra-season to interannual time scales. Satellite Altimetry and Earth Sciences has integrated the expertise of the leading international researchers to demonstrate the techniques, missions, and accuracy of satellite altimetry, including altimeter measurements, orbit determination, and ocean circulation models. Satellite altimetry is helping to advance studies of ocean circulation, tides, sea level, surface waves and allowing new insights into marine geodesy. Satellite Altimetry and Earth Sciences provides high resolution bathymetry for previously unmapped regions of our watery planet. Satellite Altimetry and Earth Sciences is for a very broad spectrum of academics, graduate students, and researchers in geophysics, oceanography, and the space and earth sciences. International agencies that fund satellite-based research will also appreciate the handy reference on the applications of satellite altimetry.

Satellite remote sensing, in particular by radar altimetry, is a crucial technique for observations of the ocean surface and of many aspects of land surfaces, and of paramount importance for climate and environmental studies. This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of the satellite altimetry techniques and related missions, and reviews the most-up-to date applications to ocean dynamics and sea level. It also discusses related space-based observations of the ocean surface and of the marine geoid, as well as applications of satellite altimetry to the cryosphere and land surface waters; operational oceanography and its applications to navigation, fishing and defense.

Coastal Altimetry: Selected Case Studies from Asian Shelf Seas provides information on developments over the past decade in the processing of remotely sensed altimetry in coastal areas, with an overview of expected errors and where they stem from, along with remaining gaps in processing. Challenges covered include the retracking of the altimetric signal to account for land contamination, tropospheric water corrections, and tidal model improvements, along with the pros and cons of widely available products. Additional chapters provide recent research in the regional seas of Asia and cover variability, dynamics, predictability and prediction, impacts of extreme events, effects to ecosystems, and more. This book offers readers a dataset that can illuminate our understanding of the propagation of planetary boundary waves that have a significant sea level signal in near coastal regions. As such, researchers and students who have a foundation in satellite altimetry and want to know the latest development of open ocean and coastal satellite altimetry, especially in Asian coastal regions, will benefit from this book. Presents the advancement of coastal altimetry technologies from various dedicated experts Includes case studies throughout to give real-life examples that can be implemented globally Provides chapters that include summaries of key points and an outlook to the future