Global Ocean Surface Height from ICESat-2 Satellite Altimetry

ATLAS/ICESat-2 L3A data provides along-track sea surface height (SSH) measurements for the global open ocean. The dataset includes height averages, distributions, and uncertainties over ocean segments ranging from 400 to 7,000 meters in length. It was produced by the NSIDC CPRD using data from the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) instrument on the ICESat-2 observatory.

Use Cases

• Calculate global mean sea level trends by analyzing time-series of sea surface height (SSH) relative to the WGS84 ellipsoid.
• Model ocean geoid and dynamic topography using SSH measurements relative to the EGM2008 geoid provided in 10 m along-track bins.
• Study polar ocean dynamics and sea ice interaction by analyzing SSH averages from ATL07 bright lead bins in regions with ice concentration greater than 15%.
• Assess measurement uncertainty for altimetry products by examining the provided height uncertainty variables over defined ocean segments.
• Correlate ocean surface conditions with photon return rate data available in the 10 m along-track bins within each segment.

Strengths

• Provides sea surface height data for the global open ocean.
• Offers measurements at high spatial resolution with data in 10 m along-track bins.
• Includes derived height averages and uncertainties over defined ocean segments (400-7,000 m).
• Contains specialized data for ice-covered oceans (ice concentration >15%) from identified bright leads.

Limitations

• Specific row count, total data volume, and temporal coverage are not provided.
• Data utility may be limited for coastal or shallow waters due to a focus on the open ocean.
• Requires expertise in satellite altimetry and geospatial data processing for effective use.

Provenance

Source

NSIDC_CPRD, utilizing data from the ATLAS instrument on the NASA ICESat-2 observatory.

Collection Method

Acquired via the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) using laser altimetry.

Geography

Global open ocean.