2. Data use cases

In this section, we propose you with some practical examples of the applications of altimetry data. The type of data to use, the methodology and the main computations are detailed, as well as how to work with data using the Basic Radar Altimetry Toolbox. Note that these examples are meant to give you the general guidelines, and that some adaptation will be necessary to use them in other contexts.

• Ocean

  • Altimetry data processing for mesoscale studies: ocean eddies in the Kuroshio current
  • Western boundary currents: the Gulf Stream and its seasonal variations

• Ice

  • Sea ice studies: Altimetry and radiometry for sea ice classification
  • Ice studies: Altimetry for observing polar ice caps

• Climate

  • Monitoring climate events: El Niño and ocean planetary waves
  • Monitoring climate change: mean sea level

• Atmosphere, wind & waves

  • Wind & waves: seasonal distribution of Significant Wave Height
  • Altimetry for extreme weather studies: Hurricane Katrina

• Hydrology & land

  • Temporal water surface height variations in enclosed areas: the Amazon Basin
  • Hydrology: Aral Sea level
  • Land studies: Altimetry over continental surfaces
  • Hydrology: Altimetric waveforms for monitoring lakes level