How altimetry works
Observation of the oceans most certainly began when the first mariners set out to sea. To begin with, observations would have been concerned with finding the best trade routes. Subsequently, as each new discovery by explorers raised new questions, the study of the oceans developed into a scientific discipline.
Data collected in situ over the centuries formed the foundation for modern oceanography by revealing the complex nature of ocean phenomena and helping to invent new measuring instruments.
Space technologies are a good example. Among the many instruments sent aloft on satellites, altimeters have changed our perspective of the oceans forever.
Satellite altimetry measurements of altitude can today gather more data about ocean circulation in 10 days than ships collected over several centuries.
And not only do we have more data—they are also more accurate. Surprising though it may seem, an altimeter can detect a trough in the ocean surface of no more than a few centimetres across an entire basin.
Satellite altimetry measurements of altitude can today gather more data about ocean circulation in 10 days than ships collected over several centuries.
And not only do we have more data—they are also more accurate. Surprising though it may seem, an altimeter can detect a trough in the ocean surface of no more than a few centimetres across an entire basin.
| Did you know? |
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Earth – a misleading name A few figures about the oceans below give some idea why "Ocean" would be a more appropriate name for our planet:
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Last updated: April 2004
