The Promise of Satellite Oceanography

The goal of the Oceanic Processes Program at NASA is to evaluate the utility of spaceborne techniques for observing the oceans, and to apply these techniques toward advancing our understanding of fundamental oceanic behavior. This paper describes some of the oceanographical problems amenable to solution using satellite observations, such as the use of satellite altimetry to determine the surface geostrophic current and scatterometry to determine the surface wind stress. This data, together with complementary data obtained in-situ and relayed through satellite location and data collection systems, will enable us to determine the global circulation of the ocean. In addition, the use of color scanners to determine primary productivity and physical-biological interaction in the ocean is discussed.