Article Type:
Research Article

On the Use of Satellite Altimeter Data in Argo Quality Control

Stephanie Guinehut CLS, Space Oceanography Division, Ramonville Saint-Agne, France

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Christine Coatanoan Coriolis Data Center, IFREMER, Technopole de Brest-Iroise, Plouzané, France

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Anne-Lise Dhomps CLS, Space Oceanography Division, Ramonville Saint-Agne, France

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Pierre-Yves Le Traon IFREMER, Technopole de Brest-Iroise, Plouzané, France

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Gilles Larnicol CLS, Space Oceanography Division, Ramonville Saint-Agne, France

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Print Publication:
01 Feb 2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2008JTECHO648.1
Page(s):
395–402
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Abstract

Satellite altimeter measurements are used to check the quality of the Argo profiling floats time series. The method compares collocated sea level anomalies from altimeter measurements and dynamic height anomalies calculated from Argo temperature and salinity profiles for each Argo float time series. Different kinds of anomalies (sensor drift, bias, spikes, etc.) have been identified on some real-time but also delayed-mode Argo floats. About 4% of the floats should probably not be used until they are carefully checked and reprocessed by the principal investigators (PIs). The method appears to be very complementary to the existing quality control checks performed in real time or delayed mode. It could also be used to quantify the impact of the adjustments made in delayed mode on the pressure, temperature, and salinity fields.

Corresponding author address: Stephanie Guinehut, CLS Space Oceanography Division, 8-10 rue Hermès, 31520 Ramonville Saint-Agne, France. Email: stephanie.guinehut@cls.fr

Abstract

Satellite altimeter measurements are used to check the quality of the Argo profiling floats time series. The method compares collocated sea level anomalies from altimeter measurements and dynamic height anomalies calculated from Argo temperature and salinity profiles for each Argo float time series. Different kinds of anomalies (sensor drift, bias, spikes, etc.) have been identified on some real-time but also delayed-mode Argo floats. About 4% of the floats should probably not be used until they are carefully checked and reprocessed by the principal investigators (PIs). The method appears to be very complementary to the existing quality control checks performed in real time or delayed mode. It could also be used to quantify the impact of the adjustments made in delayed mode on the pressure, temperature, and salinity fields.

Corresponding author address: Stephanie Guinehut, CLS Space Oceanography Division, 8-10 rue Hermès, 31520 Ramonville Saint-Agne, France. Email: stephanie.guinehut@cls.fr

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Cover Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

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