scholarly journals Impacts of mean dynamic topography on a regional ocean assimilation system

Ocean Science ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 829-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Yan ◽  
J. Zhu ◽  
C. A. S. Tanajura

Abstract. An ocean data assimilation system was developed for the Pacific–Indian oceans with the aim of assimilating altimetry data, sea surface temperature, and in situ measurements from Argo (Array for Real-time Geostrophic Oceanography), XBT (expendable bathythermographs), CTD (conductivity temperature depth), and TAO (Tropical Atmosphere Ocean). The altimetry data assimilation requires the addition of the mean dynamic topography to the altimetric sea level anomaly to match the model sea surface height. The mean dynamic topography is usually computed from the model long-term mean sea surface height, and is also available from gravimetric satellite data. In this study, the impact of different mean dynamic topographies on the sea level anomaly assimilation is examined. Results show that impacts of the mean dynamic topography cannot be neglected. The mean dynamic topography from the model long-term mean sea surface height without assimilating in situ observations results in worsened subsurface temperature and salinity estimates. Even if all available observations including in situ measurements, sea surface temperature measurements, and altimetry data are assimilated, the estimates are still not improved. This proves the significant impact of the MDT (mean dynamic topography) on the analysis system, as the other types of observations do not compensate for the shortcoming due to the altimetry data assimilation. The gravimeter-based mean dynamic topography results in a good estimate compared with that of the experiment without assimilation. The mean dynamic topography computed from the model long-term mean sea surface height after assimilating in situ observations presents better results.

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1083-1105
Author(s):  
C. Yan ◽  
J. Zhu ◽  
C. A. S. Tanajura

Abstract. An ocean assimilation system was developed for the Pacific-Indian oceans with the aim of assimilating altimetry data, sea surface temperature, and in-situ measurements from ARGO, XBT, CTD, and TAO. The altimetry data assimilation requires the addition of the mean dynamic topography to the altimetric sea level anomaly to match the model sea surface height. The mean dynamic topography is usually computed from the model long-term mean sea surface height, and is also available from gravimeteric satellite data. In this study, different mean dynamic topographies are used to examine their impacts on the sea level anomaly assimilation. Results show that impacts of the mean dynamic topography cannot be neglected. The mean dynamic topography from the model long-term mean sea surface height without assimilating in-situ observations results in worsened subsurface temperature and salinity estimates. The gravimeter-based mean dynamic topography results in an even worse estimate. Even if all available observations including in-situ measurements, sea surface temperature measurements, and altimetry data are assimilated, the estimates are still not improved. This further indicates that the other types of observations do not compensate for the shortcoming due to the altimetry data assimilation. The mean dynamic topography computed from the model's long-term mean sea surface height after assimilating in-situ observations presents better results.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1255-1266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Hamon ◽  
Eric Greiner ◽  
Pierre-Yves Le Traon ◽  
Elisabeth Remy

AbstractSatellite altimetry is one of the main sources of information used to constrain global ocean analysis and forecasting systems. In addition to in situ vertical temperature and salinity profiles and sea surface temperature (SST) data, sea level anomalies (SLA) from multiple altimeters are assimilated through the knowledge of a surface reference, the mean dynamic topography (MDT). The quality of analyses and forecasts mainly depends on the availability of SLA observations and on the accuracy of the MDT. A series of observing system evaluations (OSEs) were conducted to assess the relative importance of the number of assimilated altimeters and the accuracy of the MDT in a Mercator Ocean global 1/4° ocean data assimilation system. Dedicated tools were used to quantify impacts on analyzed and forecast sea surface height and temperature/salinity in deeper layers. The study shows that a constellation of four altimeters associated with a precise MDT is required to adequately describe and predict upper-ocean circulation in a global 1/4° ocean data assimilation system. Compared to a one-altimeter configuration, a four-altimeter configuration reduces the mean forecast error by about 30%, but the reduction can reach more than 80% in western boundary current (WBC) regions. The use of the most recent MDT updates improves the accuracy of analyses and forecasts to the same extent as assimilating a fourth altimeter.


2011 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
pp. 738-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Storto ◽  
Srdjan Dobricic ◽  
Simona Masina ◽  
Pierluigi Di Pietro

Abstract A global ocean three-dimensional variational data assimilation system was developed with the aim of assimilating along-track sea level anomaly observations, along with in situ observations from bathythermographs and conventional sea stations. All the available altimetric data within the period October 1992–January 2006 were used in this study. The sea level corrections were covariated with vertical profiles of temperature and salinity according to the bivariate definition of the background-error vertical covariances. Sea level anomaly observational error variance was carefully defined as a sum of instrumental, representativeness, observation operator, and mean dynamic topography error variances. The mean dynamic topography was computed from the model long-term mean sea surface height and adjusted through an optimal interpolation scheme to account for observation minus first-guess biases. Results show that the assimilation of sea level anomaly observations improves the model sea surface height skill scores as well as the subsurface temperature and salinity fields. Furthermore, the estimate of the tropical and subtropical surface circulation is clearly improved after assimilating altimetric data. Nonnegligible impacts of the mean dynamic topography used have also been found: compared to a gravimeter-based mean dynamic topography the use of the mean dynamic topography discussed in this paper improves both the consistency with sea level anomaly observations and the verification skill scores of temperature and salinity in the tropical regions. Furthermore, the use of a mean dynamic topography computed from the model long-term sea surface height mean without observation adjustments results in worsened verification skill scores and highlights the benefits of the current approach for deriving the mean dynamic topography.


2017 ◽  
Vol 925 (7) ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Van Sang Nguyen ◽  
V.V. Popadyev

Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) is the difference between mean sea surface height and geoid. Satellite altimetry data are known as sea surface height (ellipsoidal height), including geoid height, Mean Dynamic Topography and dynamic sea surface topography ht. To determine Mean Dynamic Topography from satellite altimetry data, the geoid height and dynamic sea surface topography should be removed from sea surface height. In this study, geoid height was computed from spherical harmonic coefficients of global Earth Gravity Model (EGM-2008). ht was determined using technique of tracks crossover adjustment. Finally, gridded model of Mean Dynamic Topography was established by using mean-squares prediction technique. By experimental processing and analysis, the gridded model of Mean Dynamic Topography had successfully built 5′ × 5′, named HUMG16MDT, for East Sea, using data of three altimetric satellites, namely TOPEX/POSEIDON, ENVISAT and JASON-2. For control purposes, this model was compared with the measurements on nine tidal stations, the computed estimation of standard deviation 15,5 cm.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Mintourakis

AbstractWhen processing satellite altimetry data for Mean Sea Surface (MSS) modelling in coastal environments many problems arise. The degradation of the accuracy of the Sea Surface Height (SSH) observations close to the coastline and the usually irregular pattern and variability of the sea surface topography are the two dominant factors which have to be addressed. In the present paper, we study the statistical behavior of the SSH observations in relation to the range from the coastline for many satellite altimetry missions and we make an effort to minimize the effects of the ocean variability. Based on the above concepts we present a process strategy for the homogenization of multi satellite altimetry data that takes advantage ofweighted SSH observations and applies high degree polynomials for the adjustment and their uniffcation at a common epoch. At each step we present the contribution of each concept to MSS modelling and then we develop a MSS, a marine geoid model and a grid of gravity Free Air Anomalies (FAA) for the area under study. Finally, we evaluate the accuracy of the resulting models by comparisons to state of the art global models and other available data such as GPS/leveling points, marine GPS SSH’s and marine gravity FAA’s, in order to investigate any progress achieved by the presented strategy


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Nascimento Lima ◽  
Clemente Augusto Souza Tanajura

ABSTRACT. In this study, assimilation of Jason-1 and Jason-2 along-track sea level anomaly (SLA) data was conducted in a region of the tropical and South Atlantic (7◦N-36◦S, 20◦W up to the Brazilian coast) using an optimal interpolation method and the HYCOM (Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model). Four 24 h-forecast experiments were performed daily from January 1 until March 31, 2011 considering different SLA assimilation data windows (1 day and 2 days) and different coefficients in the parameterization of the SLA covariance matrix model. The model horizontal resolution was 1/12◦ and the number of vertical layers was 21. The SLA analyses added to the mean sea surface height were projected to the subsurface with the Cooper & Haines (1996) scheme. The results showed that the experiment with 2-day window of along-track data and with specific parameterizations of the model SLA covariance error for sub-regions of the METAREA V was the most accurate. It completely reconstructed the model sea surface height and important improvements in the circulation were produced. For instance, there was a substantial improvement in the representation of the Brazil Current and North Brazil Undercurrent. However, since no assimilation of vertical profiles of temperature and salinity and of sea surface temperature was performed, the methodology employed here should be considered only as a step towards a high quality analysis for operational forecasting systems.   Keywords: data assimilation, optimal interpolation, Cooper & Haines scheme, altimetry data.   RESUMO. Neste estudo, a assimilação de dados de anomalia da altura da superfície do mar (AASM) ao longo da trilha dos satélites Jason-1 e Jason-2 foi conduzida em uma região do Atlântico tropical e Sul (7◦N-36◦S, 20◦W até a costa do Brasil) com o método de interpolação ótima e o modelo oceânico HYCOM (Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model). Foram realizados quatro experimentos de previsão de 24 h entre 1 de janeiro e 31 de março de 2011, considerando diferentes janelas de assimilação de AASM (1 dia e 2 dias) e diferentes coeficientes na parametrização da matriz de covariância dos erros de AASM do modelo. A resolução horizontal empregada no HYCOM foi 1/12◦ para 21 camadas verticais. As correções de altura da superfície do mar devido à assimilação de AASM foram projetadas abaixo da camada de mistura através da técnica de Cooper & Haines (1996). Os resultados mostraram que o experimento com assimilação de dados ao longo da trilha dos satélites com a janela de 2 dias e com parametrizações da matriz de covariância específicas para sub-regiões da METAREA V foi o mais acurado. Ele reconstruiu completamente a altura da superfície do mar e também proporcionou melhorias na circulação oceânica reproduzida pelo modelo. Por exemplo, houve substancial melhoria da representação nos campos da Corrente do Brasil e Subcorrente Norte do Brasil. Entretanto, tendo em vista que não foi realizada a assimilação de perfis verticais de temperatura e de salinidade e da temperatura da superfície do mar, a metodologia apresentada deve ser considerada apenas como um passo na conquista de uma análise oceânica e de um sistema previsor de qualidade para fins operacionais.   Palavras-chave: assimilação de dados, interpolação ótima, técnica de Cooper & Haines, dados de altimetria.


1975 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 405 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Donguy ◽  
C Henin

In the Coral Sea, the mean dynamic topography of the sea surface indicates virtually zonal circulation with one westward flow and two eastward flows at 163� E. and two westward flows and one eastward flow at 158� E. One of the eastward flows may be defined as the South Tropical Counter-Current and its position suggests it originates in the western Coral Sea rather than north of New Guinea. However, the data of the abnormal years 1958 and 1972 point out only westward flow.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandrine Mulet ◽  
Marie-Hélène Rio ◽  
Hélène Etienne ◽  
Camilia Artana ◽  
Mathilde Cancet ◽  
...  

Abstract. The Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) is a key reference surface for altimetry. It is needed for the calculation of the ocean absolute dynamic topography, and under the geostrophic approximation, the estimation of surface currents. CNES-CLS Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) solutions are calculated by merging information from altimeter data, GRACE and GOCE gravity field and oceanographic in-situ measurements (drifting buoy velocities, hydrological profiles). The objective of this paper is to present the newly updated CNES-CLS18 MDT. The main improvement compared to the previous CNES-CLS13 solution is the use of updated input datasets: the GOCO05S geoid model is used based on the complete GOCE mission (November 2009–October 2013) and 10.5 years of GRACE data, together with all drifting buoy velocities (SVP-type and Argo floats) and hydrological profiles (CORA database) available from 1993–2017 (instead of 1993–2012). The new solution also benefits from improved data processing – in particular a new wind-driven current model has been developed to extract the geostrophic component from the buoy velocities; and methodology – in particular the computation of the medium scale GOCE-based MDT first guess and the correlation scales used for the multivariate mapping have been revised. An evaluation of the new solution compared to the previous version and to other existing MDT show significant improvements both in strong currents and coastal areas.


Author(s):  
Chí Công Dương ◽  
Minh Hòa Hà ◽  
Tuấn Anh Nguyễn ◽  
Thanh An Lê ◽  
Trung Thành Hoàng

Trên thế giới các kết quả đo cao từ vệ tinh (Đo cao vệ tinh: Satellite Altimetry) như bề mặt biển tự nhiên biển (MSS – Mean Sea Surface), mặt địa hình biển động lực trung bình so với Geoid (MDT – Mean Dynamic Topography), xác định trường trọng lực và Geoid trên biển v.v đã được ứng dụng nhiều trong nghiên cứu về Hải dương học, Khí tượng – Hải văn biển, Trắc địa và Địa vật lý. Ở Việt Nam việc nghiên cứu sử dụng mô hình MSS, MDT trong Trắc địa bản đồ cũng đã được một số tác giả khởi xướng từ vài năm trở lại đây. Trong bài báo này chúng tôi thử nghiệm sử dụng mô hình DNSC08MDT để tính trị đo sâu. Mô hình này được cung cấp chính thức tại thời điểm nghiên cứu, sau này đã có thêm các mô hình DTU10, DTU12 được cải tiến hơn (Dương Chí Công và nnk, 2015). Tại khu vực Bắc Trung Bộ (từ vĩ tuyến ~15° đến ~20°, từ bờ biển đến kinh độ 116°) với mô hình DNSC08MDT sau khi cải chính (về Geoid cục bộ Hòn Dấu trong hệ triều 0 và độ lệch hệ thống so với các trạm nghiệm triều) đã tính được trị đo sâu cho 5 mảnh bản đồ địa hình đáy biển tỷ lệ 1/50.000. Độ chính xác trung bình đạt ±0.6m là có thể chấp nhận được đối với bản đồ địa hình đáy biển tỷ lệ 1/50.000 khu vực xa bờ (từ khoảng 20 km trở ra).


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