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Topex/Poseidon Altimetry and Dynamics of the Ocean-Atmosphere System

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Abstract

The T/P altimeter data 1993 – 1997 (cycles 11 – 194) has been analyzed with emphases on seasonal variations in sea surface topography (SST). The amplitude of the annual variations amounted to (5.9±0.3) mm when inverted barometer (IB) corrections were applied and (2.0±0.4) mm without any IB corrections. The amplitude of the semi-annual variations in SST was small with IB corrections applied: (0.6±0.3) mm. However, when no IB corrections were applied, it was (1.8±0.4) mm, i.e. the semiannual variations are at the same level as the annual variations with no IB corrections. The phase angle offset of the annual term has shifted by about 180° when IB correction was applied. The dynamics of the ocean-atmosphere system is discussed and it is concluded that it could, at least partly, be responsible for the above observed effects.

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Burša, M., Kouba, J., Vatrt, V. et al. Topex/Poseidon Altimetry and Dynamics of the Ocean-Atmosphere System. Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica 44, 1–12 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022052022618

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