Platforms: OSTM/Jason-2

From

The Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM) is a joint effort by four organizations to measure sea surface height by using a radar altimeter mounted on a low-earth orbiting satellite called Jason-2. The Jason-2 satellite mission launched successfully on June 20, 2008. The OSTM operations are planned for 5 years, comprising the Routine Operations (3 years) and the Extended Routine Operations Phases (2 years). This satellite altimetry mission provides sea surface heights for determining ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. The Jason-2 satellite is the follow-on to the TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1 satellites. The research satellites, TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1, have been instrumental in meeting NOAA’s operational need for sea surface height measurements necessary for ocean modeling, forecasting El Nino/La Nina events, and hurricane intensity prediction. Under the OSTM program NOAA will provide support from its satellite ground segment capabilities for management of the Jason-2 Satellite flight operations during its routine operational phases and to acquire, produce, and distribute geophysical data in a manner beneficial to all interested users.

Спутник

Scientific Instruments Altimeter Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR) Doppler Orbitography Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) Laser Retroflector Array (LRA)

Результат

Growing La Nina. La Nina continues to strengthen in the Pacific Ocean, as shown in the latest satellite data of sea surface heights from the NASA/European Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason-2 satellite. The image is based on the average of 10 days of data centered on Sept. 3, 2010. Higher (warmer) than normal sea surface heights are indicated by yellows and reds, while lower (cooler) than normal sea surface heights are depicted in blues and purples. Green indicates near-normal conditions.

OSTM/Jason 2 map of sea-level anomalies from July 4 to July 14, 2008.

Источники

Описание: http://www.osd.noaa.gov/ostm/
Изображения: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/details.php?id=5927, http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/lanina-image2010091.html