Remote sensing of surface ocean circulation with satellite altimetry

Science. 1979 Jul 6;205(4401):11-7. doi: 10.1126/science.205.4401.11.

Abstract

The Geodynamics Experimental Ocean Satellite (GEOS-3) radar altimeter has provided some information on the dynamic sea-surface topography of the global oceans. Regional studies of the densely surveyed Sargasso Sea indicate that the average nontidal variability of the oceans is +/- 28 centimeters. Sea-surface highs and lows determined from GEOS-3 altimetry correlate favorably with eddy structures inferred from Nimbus-6 infrared imagery.