Satellite radar altimetry

A brief review of the historical development and principles of satellite radar altimetry is presented, with special emphasis on the unique capability of the microwave altimeter to provide valuable information for global geoscientific studies. Altimeter data over the ocean are used to monitor mean sea levels, wave height, wind speeds, and surface topographical features. Over the ice sheets, the altimeter data are used to produce surface elevation maps, while repeated measurements are used to monitor volume changes. The success of earlier altimeter mission has promoted the development of future missions that will provide more accurate data sets