Remote sensing data for the mediterranean forecasting system pilot project

• Published in: Elsevier Oceanography Series Vol. 66; pp. 219 - 224
• Main Authors: Le Traon, P.Y., Larnicol, G., Dibarboure, G., Roquet, H., Borgne, P. Le, Marullo, S., Santolieri, L., Montagner, F., Antoine, D.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Earth Sciences; Hydrology, Oceanography & Glaciology
• ISBN: 9780444503916; 0444503919
• ISSN: 0422-9894
• DOI: 10.1016/S0422-9894(02)80026-5

The setting up of an operational Mediterranean Forecasting System (MFS) will require both in-situ and space data. Remote sensing data, which are envisioned for the MFS, are satellite altimetry, sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean color. SST is also a fundamental ocean parameter that can be measured from space. It influences the ocean and atmosphere circulation. Heat fluxes also strongly depend on SST. SST measurements are, thus, crucial for understanding and predicting the ocean/atmosphere system. At small scales, SST measurements can provide useful information on mesoscale ocean flow field and the position of the main current systems and the regions of upwellings. The system is based on existing facilities and serves as a prototype for a future operational system. Specific objectives are (1) to develop algorithms and test them to process near real time (NRT) altimeter data; (2) to develop a NRT sea surface temperature product MFS model/assimilation scheme is a powerful means to integrate these remote sensing with in-situ data, forcing data and dynamic constraints.