A Summary of the Results from the OSU Analysis of Seasat Altimeter Data
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Date
1982-08
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Publisher
Ohio State University. Division of Geodetic Science
Abstract
This report describes the analysis of Seasat altimeter data that has taken place in the last four years. The primary emphasis is on three areas: 1) the editing of the data; 2) the adjustment of the data using the crossing arc techniques and 3) the recovery of mean gravity anomalies and sea surface heights. Of special interest are new adjustments made to improve previous solutions. These newer adjustments were made in new regional areas and special areas such as Hudson Bay, Mediterranean Sea area, and the Northeast Pacific. Crossover discrepancies after adjustment varied from ±11 cm to ±28 cm. The original adjusted data by Rowlands was used to estimate 37905 1° x 1° mean anomalies and sea surface heights. These values were formally more accurate than Geos-3 derived values but comparisosn with terrestrial data were inconclusive on whether Geos-3 and Seasat implied anomalies were more accurate. The difference between Geos-3 and Seasat implied anomalies was ±7.8 mgals; and for sea surface heights it was ±87 cm. A systematic difference between Geos-3 and Seasat implied heights suggests that an improved equatorial radius could be 6378135.6 meters.
Description
Prepared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Rockville, Maryland: Contract No. 78-4326