Quality Assessment of the Jason-2 Operational and Interim Geophysical Data Records

Abstract

The Ocean Surface Topography Mission onboard the Jason-2 satellite represents a transition from the Topex/Poseidon and Jason-1 research altimetry missions, operated by NASA and CNES, to an operational mission that now includes NOAA and EUMETSAT. The near real-time (NRT) data production and distribution is shared by NOAA and EUMETSAT. This paper describes how the Jason-2 data are shared within the United States between NOAA and Navy entities. Differences between the NRT products and offline products are assessed to determine if the NRT products are accurate enough to meet the operational needs of wind/wave and sea surface height applications.

Keywords:

• Near real-time sea level
• Jason-2
• satellite altimetry
• calibration

Acknowledgements

This investigation was supported in part by the NASA Ocean Surface Topography program. The views, opinions, and findings contained in this report are those of the authors and should not be construed as an official NOAA or U.S. Government position, policy, or decision.