On the use of SARAL/Altika products for coastal and mesoscale studies in the Balearic Sea: synergy with other sensors
Résumé
This proposal aims at exploring potential use of Saral/Altika products in combination with alternative sensors (both in situ and from remote-sensing) for a better monitoring and understanding of coastal and mesoscale processes in the Balearic Sea. Specifically, it is intended: (1) to process, validate and intercalibrate multi-sensor datasets dedicated to coastal ocean studies. In this context, we will implement the technological existent advances in satellite altimetry in the coastal area that up to now have not been fully exploited for scientific applications at regional scales because of relatively poor sampling and inaccuracy of corrections. The main efforts will thus consist in the application of coastal-oriented corrections and the review of the data recovery strategies near the coast (new editing strategies, high frequency along track sampling associated to improved quality control procedures ...). This is an international priority in which this proposal is particularly well positioned. In the meantime the so far unexploited possibilities from the merging of existing in situ data sources with remote sensing data to monitor coastal dynamics will also be investigated (2). The developed system will be implemented initially in the coastal area of the Balearic Islands where the scientific knowledge and the necessary in situ data exist. A third (3) objective will consist in scientific applications i.e. to exploit multi-sensor data (in situ and remote sensing) in the context of regional hydrodynamic modelling of coastal and mesoscale circulation, with focus in the North Western Mediterranean (NWMED).