Assessment of ocean surface currents reconstruction at a global scale from the synergy between microwave and altimetric measurements

In this work we evaluate surface ocean current reconstruction at a global scale using a new methodology that combines the benefits of microwave and altimetry measurements. The combined method is based on SQG theory and combines the information about the energy spectrum provided by altimeters with SST microwave measurements. We compare ocean surface current reconstruction using the combined method with eSQG reconstruction, taking as a reference surface geostrophic currents derived from altimetry. Results showed that reconstruction of surface currents based on SQG theory can be improved if the information about the energy spectrum provided by altimeters is used. Furthermore, we investigate to which extent the quality of our results is related to the seasonal cycle of the Mixed Layer Depth (MLD). Results confirmed that the reconstruction performs better for deeper mixed layer.