Operational Altimeter Data Processing for Mesoscale Monitoring

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Abstract
Since 1996, global, near-real-time maps of mesoscale anomalies derived from tandem sampling provided by altimeters aboard the TOPEX/Poseidon and ERS-2 satellites have been posted on web pages hosted at the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research. The original, near-real-time processing system was based on a quick-look analysis that referenced the data to a high-resolution gridded mean sea surface available at the time. Recently, state-of-the-art mean sea surfaces have been derived that are based on a more complete record of altimeter observations. An updated mesoscale monitoring system based on a new mean surface is described and shown to provide improved mesoscale monitoring to the successful system implemented in 1996.