The Seasat altimeter data and its accuracy assessment
Abstract
A description is given of the Seasat satellite radar altimeter, which was designed to measure (1) the altitude of the satellite above the ocean surface, (2) surface wave height, and (3) the ocean-surface backscatter coefficient from which wind speed may be inferred. The atmospheric and geophysical effects influencing radar altimeter measurement accuracies and the attendant correction models adopted for the altimeter geophysical data record are summarized, along with Seasat Altimeter/Precision Orbit Determination Experiment Team activities directed towards the validation and improvement of these models and investigations assessing the accuracy of both the altimeter measurements and the computed satellite altitude ephemeris.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- April 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JC087iC05p03179
- Bibcode:
- 1982JGR....87.3179T
- Keywords:
-
- Ocean Surface;
- Planet Ephemerides;
- Radio Altimeters;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Seasat Satellites;
- Water Waves;
- Wind Velocity Measurement;
- Atmospheric Effects;
- Backscattering;
- Data Processing;
- Flight Altitude;
- Geophysics;
- Scattering Coefficients;
- Topography