Yannice Faugere (CLS, France); Gérald Dibarboure (CLS, France)

The dynamic interpolation (Ubelmann et al., 2016) was shown as a possible approach between objective mapping and data assimilation in primitive equation models to map the Ocean dynamic topography from altimeter data. Based on a covariance propagator using the conservation of potential vorticity, it allows to keep on strong constraint on the observed surface field while accounting for some predictable non-linear dynamics driving the eddy motions at first order.

In this study, we apply the dynamic interpolation method to reconstruct the Gulf Stream topography of the last two years, with a constellation of up to 6 altimeters. Some comparisons with objective mapping from Aviso fields will be presented, and validated with independent satellite data through RMS of differences and spectral coherence. The resolving capabilities will be discussed.