SATELLITE ALTIMETRY OBSERVATIONS MONITORING CHANGES IN OCEAN AND SURFACE WATER SYSTEMS: APPLIED SCIENCE IN SUPPORT OF USER COMMUNITIES

Speaker: Margaret Srinivasan, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, USASince the launch of TOPEX/Poseidon in 1992, advancements in altimeter technology by NASA, CNES, and international partners have provided continuous global measurements of ocean surface topography (OST). This 32-year data record maps ocean surface “hills and valleys,” monitors large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and has proven invaluable for both research and operational use. These observations have enhanced understanding of ocean circulation, currents, tides, and climate models while supporting practical applications such as route optimization for shipping, coastal management, and disaster response.