Science

by SWOT — last modified May 05, 2015 10:54 AM

Mission goals for Science

► Oceanography : Characterize meso-scale and sub meso-scale circulation with a 10 km space resolution or best.

►Hydrology : make a complete inventory of continental waters areas greater than 250 km2 (natural lakes, reservoirs, wetlands) as well as rivers with a width greater than 100 m (ultimate goal 50 m).

shema

SWOT measurements

Preparatory Science Investigation

Whatever the thematic is, data simulation is a necessary step.

► Concerning Oceanography	►Concerning Hydrology
With SWOT water level measurements will be absolutely new, and different from those of the now classical space missions as JASONs . Very high resolution models will allow identification of physical process observable with SWOT, taking into account the orbit design. Measurement errors impacts (interferometric phase error, roll errors, atmospheric correction errors …) concerning water level signal restitution has to be evaluate. High resolution data assimilation in present oceanographic models has to be studied.	Expected observation quality has to be evaluated : Determining minimal observable size for rivers and lakes Characterizing errors due to time sampling Characterizing errors for derivates products : flows and water stocks variability (order of magnitude and causes) We also have to evaluate SWOT mission contribution to Hydrology modelizing an equatorial river , Amazon, a temperate river, an artic river, Ob (see Biancamaria_SM_Ob.pdf)

► Concerning Oceanography

►Concerning Hydrology

With SWOT water level measurements will be absolutely new, and different from those of the now
classical space missions as JASONs .

Very high resolution models will allow identification of physical process observable with SWOT, taking into account the orbit design.
Measurement errors impacts (interferometric phase error, roll errors, atmospheric correction errors …) concerning water level signal restitution has to be evaluate.
High resolution data assimilation in present oceanographic models has to be studied.

Expected observation quality has to be evaluated :

Determining minimal observable size for rivers and lakes
Characterizing errors due to time sampling
Characterizing errors for derivates products : flows and water stocks variability (order of magnitude and causes)

We also have to evaluate SWOT mission contribution to Hydrology modelizing an equatorial river , Amazon, a temperate river, an artic river, Ob (see Biancamaria_SM_Ob.pdf)

CNES is funding these studies in a program called TOSCA. Main French laboratories involved are LEGOS, lFREMER, LMD, LOCEAN and CLS.

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