Study of ERS-1 Radar Altimeter Data Processing Requirements

摘要

Data processing for the ERS-1 radar altimeter over oceans and sea ice for fast delivery products (near real time processing, onboard or at the ground station) and off line products is discussed. Useful products are identified and, the status of algorithms for extracting the relevant geophysical parameters from sensor data is reviewed. Suggestions concerning retrievals from ERS-1 data taking into account differences between ERS-1 and SEASAT are made. Problems concerning the extraction of wind speed, and the effects of sea surface nonlinearities are considered, and parameters, including a wave period, are proposed. Implications for the overall radar altimeter ground segment philosophy, including the accessibility and dissemination of products and standardization of formats are outlined.