Amazon River discharge estimated from TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry

This paper presents an application of the TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P)) satellite altimetry data to estimate river discharge at three sites along the Amazon River. We discuss the methodology to establish empirical relationships between satellite-derived water levels and daily estimations of river discharges based on rating Curves and in situ level measurements at gauging stations. Three sites are chosen: Martacapuru (Rivet- Solimoes), Jatuarana (nearby the confluence of the Solimoes and Rio Negro rivers) and Obidos (Amazon River). We then reconstruct the satellite-based river discharge over a 10-year time span (1992-2002). Comparison between satellite-derived and river discharge at the gauging stations shows that the T/P data can successfully be used for hydrological studies of large rivers, in providing in particular discharge estimates when in Situ data are not available.