Ocean PATHFINDER Algorithms & Corrections

To transform satellite altimeter range measurements into accurate sea-surface elevation measurements, a variety of models, algorithms, and corrections needs to be adopted and applied. These include the determination of the satellite position within a consistent geodetic reference frame, the correction for various media and environmental effects, and the removal of tidal and (possibly) atmospheric loading effects. Most of the adopted PATHFINDER corrections and algorithms are consistent across satellite missions, but some are specific to an individual mission. Below is the list of these many parameters. Whenever there is a satellite selection, the parameter is satellite-specific.

Orbits / Reference Frame

Satellite Ephemerides

TOPEX/POSEIDON ERS GEOSAT

Reference frame and reference ellipsoid

Geophysical

Solid-Earth Body Tide

Ocean Tide

Load Tide

Pole Tide

Cross-Track Geoid Correction

Atmospheric Loading (Inverted Barometer) -- Optional

Media

Dry Troposphere

Wet Troposphere

TOPEX/POSEIDON ERS GEOSAT

Ionosphere

TOPEX POSEIDON ERS GEOSAT

Instrument

Sea State Bias

TOPEX POSEIDON ERS2 ERS1 GEOSAT

Calibration Issues

TOPEX POSEIDON ERS-1&2 GEOSAT

These pages last modified on 22 August 2002.

Algorithm pages are maintained by
Richard Ray