The status of measurement of the Mediterranean mean dynamic topography by geodetic techniques

Woodworth, Philip L.; Gravelle, Médéric; Marcos, Marta; Wöppelmann, Guy; Hughes, Chris W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9355-0233. 2015 The status of measurement of the Mediterranean mean dynamic topography by geodetic techniques. Journal of Geodesy, 89 (8). 811-827. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-015-0817-1

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00190-015-0817-1

Abstract/Summary

We review the measurement of the mean dynamic topography (MDT) of the Mediterranean using ellipsoidal heights of sea level at discrete tide gauge locations, and across the entire basin using satellite altimetry, subtracting estimates of the geoid obtained from recent models. This ‘geodetic approach’ to the determination of the MDT can be compared to the independent ‘ocean approach’ that involves the use of in situ oceanographic measurements and ocean modelling. We demonstrate that with modern geoid and ocean models there is an encouraging level of consistency between the two sets of MDTs. In addition, we show how important geodetic MDT information can be in judging between existing global ocean circulation models, and in providing insight for the development of new ones. The review makes clear the major limitations in Mediterranean data sets that prevent a more complete validation, including the need for improved geoid models of high spatial resolution and accuracy. Suggestions are made on how a greater amount of reliable geo-located tide gauge information can be obtained in the future.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-015-0817-1
ISSN:	0949-7714
Additional Keywords:	Tide gauges and GPS, Altimeter mean sea surface models, Geoid models, Mediterranean ocean circulation
NORA Subject Terms:	Marine Sciences
Date made live:	07 May 2015 12:12 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/510754

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-015-0817-1

ISSN:

0949-7714

Additional Keywords:

Tide gauges and GPS, Altimeter mean sea surface models, Geoid models, Mediterranean ocean circulation

NORA Subject Terms:

Marine Sciences

Date made live:

07 May 2015 12:12 +0 (UTC)