Observations of Recent Sea Level Change Using TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1 Altimetry
Abstract
Satellite altimetry measurements from the TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) mission provide a precise record of sea level change covering more than a decade. Since the beginning of 2002, the Jason-1 mission also provides precise measurements of sea level change. As the satellite record lengthens, we can begin to use the record to test models of current sea level change. We will review the observations of long-term sea level change made by T/P and Jason-1, including the changes observed during the 1997-98 ENSO event. Measurements of long-term sea level change using satellite altimetry must also be accompanied by an independent calibration of the instrument performance, thus we will review the recent results using tide gauges to calibrate the T/P instruments. The sea level record from satellite altimetry is nearly long enough to begin to be able to make quantitative contributions to climate change science. We will review the expected contributions from thermal expansion and polar ice melting, and compare these contributions to what has been observed over the last decade by satellite altimetry. We will also contrast these results with the record of sea level change observed over the last 100 years by the global tide gauge network.
- Publication:
-
34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002cosp...34E.723N