CoAuthors

Per Knudsen (DTU Space, Elektrovej 328, DK-2800 lyngby Denmark, Denmark); Karina Nielsen (DTU Space, Elektrovej 328, DK-2800 lyngby Denmark, Denmark); Christopher Hughes (University of Liverpool (NOC), , UK); Phil Woodworth (University of Liverpool (NOC), , UK); Michael Kern (ESA ESTEC, Noordwejk, The Netherlands); Luciana Fenoglio-Marc (TU Bonn, Germany); Rory Bingham (University of Bristol, UK); Mederic Gravelle (University La Rochelle, LIENS, France); Guy Woppelman (University La Rochelle, LIENS, France)

ESA is currently supporting a study on the investigation and using ocean levelling as a novel approach to the study of height system unification across the oceans taking the recent development in geoid accuracy through GOCE data into account.
The suggested investigation involves the use of measurements and modelling to estimate Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) of the ocean along a coastline, which contributes/requires reconciling altimetry, tide gauge and vertical land motion. Close to the coast the determination of the MDT is problematic due to i.e., the altimeter footprint, land motion or parameterization/modelling of coastal currents.
The objective of this activity is to perform a consolidated and improved understanding and modelling of coastal processes and physics responsible for sea level changes on various temporal/spatial scales. The study runs from October 2015 to march 2017 and involves the following elements
Develop an approach to estimate a consistent DT at tide gauges, coastal areas, and open ocean; Validate the approach in well-surveyed areas where DT can be determined at tide gauges; Determine a consistent MDT using GOCE with consistent error covariance fields; improving altimetry (SAR) along the coast for MSS/MDT improvement and finally connecting the global set of tide gauges and investigate trends