SATELLITE RADAR ALTIMETRY

A brief review of the historical development and principles of satellite radar altimetry is presented, with special emphasis placed on the unique capability of the microwave altimeter to provide valuable information for global geoscientific studies. Altimeter data over the ocean is used to monitor mean sea levels, waveheights, windspeeds, and surface topographical features. Over the ice sheets, the altimeter data is used to produce surface elevation maps, while repeated measurements are used to monitor volume changes. The success of earlier altimeter missions has promoted the development of future missions that will provide more accurate data sets. These will continue the study of Earth's systems well into the 21st century.