SATELLITE MEASUREMENTS
187
ocean models. Given recent advances in both numerical ocean modelling
and satellite observing systems, it is expected that fully operational ocean
forecasting systems will be in place within a few years. In future it is likely
that oceanographers will turn to operational models, supported by a global
ocean observing network of satellite and in situ sensors, to obtain the best
knowledge of the ocean state at any time or place, in much the same way as
meteorologists rely today on the analysis delivered by atmospheric
numerical weather prediction models.
Further research and development are needed before this can be
achieved. There is scope to refine the remote sensing methods described
above, not only to improve the accuracy of measurements but also to specify
the errors more confidently, which is important if they are to be assimilated
into ocean models. Ways should be found to harmonise the data provided
by different ocean colour sensors, comparable to what the GHRSST project
is doing for SST data products. A secure future for operational ocean
forecasting systems also depends on planning now for continuity of
appropriate sensors in space and needs commitment by funding agencies to
the long term support of ocean monitoring satellites and buoy/drifter
programmes which this implies. Such a commitment must be justified by
sensitivity studies that clearly demonstrate the impact which the assimilation
of particular ocean observations makes to the forecasting / nowcasting skill
of ocean models. We can no longer expect new ocean monitoring satellites
to be provided automatically as part of national or international space
technology programmes. Alternative funding routes must be established so
that ocean monitoring satellites can in future be commissioned by their
users. It is therefore vital to spell out the benefits of large scale ocean
observing and forecasting systems (e.g. Johannessen et al. 2003) so that
society at large and especially those who use the sea will appreciate their
potential benefits.
References
Barton, I.J. (1995) Satellite-derived sea surface temperatures: Current status. J. Geophys.
Res., 100: 8777-8790.
Challenor P. G., Cipollini, P., Cromwell, D.D., Hill, K.L., Quartly, G.D., and Robinson, I.S.
(2004) Global characteristics of Rossby wave propagation from multiple satellite
datasets", International Journal of Remote Sensing, 25(7-8): 1297-1302.
Chapron, B., Johnsen, H. and Garello, R. (2001) Wave and wind retrieval from SAR images
of the ocean. Ann. Télécommun., 56(11-12): 682-699.
Chelton D.B., Wentz, F.J., Gentemann, C.L., De Szoeke, R.A. and Schlax, M.G. (2000)
Satellite microwave SST observations of transequatorial tropical instability waves.
Geophys. Res. Lett., 27: 1239-1242
Chelton, D. B., Ries, J. C., Haines, B. J., Fu, L.-L. and Callahan, P. S. (2001) Satellite
Altimetry. In: Fu, L.-L. and Cazenave, A. (eds) Satellite Altimetry and Earth Sciences, pp.
1-131. Academic Press, San Diego.
187
ocean models. Given recent advances in both numerical ocean modelling
and satellite observing systems, it is expected that fully operational ocean
forecasting systems will be in place within a few years. In future it is likely
that oceanographers will turn to operational models, supported by a global
ocean observing network of satellite and in situ sensors, to obtain the best
knowledge of the ocean state at any time or place, in much the same way as
meteorologists rely today on the analysis delivered by atmospheric
numerical weather prediction models.
Further research and development are needed before this can be
achieved. There is scope to refine the remote sensing methods described
above, not only to improve the accuracy of measurements but also to specify
the errors more confidently, which is important if they are to be assimilated
into ocean models. Ways should be found to harmonise the data provided
by different ocean colour sensors, comparable to what the GHRSST project
is doing for SST data products. A secure future for operational ocean
forecasting systems also depends on planning now for continuity of
appropriate sensors in space and needs commitment by funding agencies to
the long term support of ocean monitoring satellites and buoy/drifter
programmes which this implies. Such a commitment must be justified by
sensitivity studies that clearly demonstrate the impact which the assimilation
of particular ocean observations makes to the forecasting / nowcasting skill
of ocean models. We can no longer expect new ocean monitoring satellites
to be provided automatically as part of national or international space
technology programmes. Alternative funding routes must be established so
that ocean monitoring satellites can in future be commissioned by their
users. It is therefore vital to spell out the benefits of large scale ocean
observing and forecasting systems (e.g. Johannessen et al. 2003) so that
society at large and especially those who use the sea will appreciate their
potential benefits.
References
Barton, I.J. (1995) Satellite-derived sea surface temperatures: Current status. J. Geophys.
Res., 100: 8777-8790.
Challenor P. G., Cipollini, P., Cromwell, D.D., Hill, K.L., Quartly, G.D., and Robinson, I.S.
(2004) Global characteristics of Rossby wave propagation from multiple satellite
datasets", International Journal of Remote Sensing, 25(7-8): 1297-1302.
Chapron, B., Johnsen, H. and Garello, R. (2001) Wave and wind retrieval from SAR images
of the ocean. Ann. Télécommun., 56(11-12): 682-699.
Chelton D.B., Wentz, F.J., Gentemann, C.L., De Szoeke, R.A. and Schlax, M.G. (2000)
Satellite microwave SST observations of transequatorial tropical instability waves.
Geophys. Res. Lett., 27: 1239-1242
Chelton, D. B., Ries, J. C., Haines, B. J., Fu, L.-L. and Callahan, P. S. (2001) Satellite
Altimetry. In: Fu, L.-L. and Cazenave, A. (eds) Satellite Altimetry and Earth Sciences, pp.
1-131. Academic Press, San Diego.