SWOT Prelaunch GPS: 1Hz Sea Surface Height Time Series

1Hz GPS measurements of sea surface height were collected from a surface buoy deployed about 300 kilometers west of Monterey, California between September 2019 and January 2020. This dataset, part of the SWOT prelaunch field campaign, includes the inverted barometer component and was used with CTD, atmospheric, and bottom pressure data to close the sea surface equation. The campaign also deployed additional CTD moorings, a Slocum glider, and a Pressure Inverted Echo Sounder (PIES).

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived sea surface height measurements from the SWOT mission based on in-situ GPS data.
• Analyzing high-frequency (1Hz) ocean surface dynamics and wave spectra from the time-series measurements.
• Closing the sea surface height equation by integrating this data with atmospheric pressure and CTD sensor readings.
• Calibrating and assessing the performance of other oceanographic instruments deployed during the same campaign.

Strengths

• Provides high-temporal-resolution (1Hz) in-situ measurements of sea surface height.
• Data is part of a coordinated multi-instrument field campaign (SWOT prelaunch) for validation.
• Includes the inverted barometer component, representing total sea surface height.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA Earthdata indicates recognized importance.

Limitations

• Column names and exact data structure are not specified in the provided metadata.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between sources (2026-04 09 vs. 2020-01-19).
• Dataset size and row counts are unknown, limiting immediate assessment of data volume.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measured by a surface buoy equipped with a GPS, deployed as part of the SWOT prelaunch field campaign.

Time Range

September 2019 to January 2020

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:47:42.555772

Geography

Approximately 300 kilometers west of Monterey, California, near the SWOT CalVal crossover location.