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Abstract

Updated absolute bias estimates are presented from the Bass Strait calibration site
(Australia) for the TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P), Jason-1 and the Ocean Surface Topography
Mission (OSTM/Jason-2) altimeter missions. Results from the TOPEX side A and side
B data show biases insignificantly different from zero when assessed against our error
budget (−15 ± 20 mm, and −6 ± 18 mm, respectively). Jason-1 shows a considerably
higher absolute bias of +93 ± 15 mm, indicating that the observed sea surface is
higher (or the range shorter), than truth. For OSTM/Jason-2, the absolute bias is
further increased to +172 ± 18 mm (determined from T/GDR data, cycles 001–079).
Enhancements made to the Jason-1 and OSTM/Jason-2 microwave radiometer derived
products for correcting path delays induced by the wet troposphere are shown to benefit
the bias estimate at the Bass Strait site through the reduction of land contamination.
We note small shifts to bias estimates when using the enhanced products, changing the
biases by+11 and+3 mm for Jason-1 and OSTM/Jason-2, respectively. The significant,
and as yet poorly understood, absolute biases observed for both Jason series altimeters
reinforces the continued need for further investigation of the measurement systems and
ongoing monitoring via in situ calibration sites.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Watson, CS and White, NC and Church, JA and Burgette, RJ and Tregoning, P and Coleman, R
Journal or Publication Title:	Marine Geodesy: An International Journal of Ocean Surveys, Mapping and Sensing
ISSN:	0149-0419 print
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/01490419.2011.584834
Additional Information:	Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group
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