Use of TOPEX/Poseidon Sea Level Data for Ocean Analyses and ENSO Prediction: Some Early Results

Abstract

In this study, two sets of Pacific Ocean analyses for 1993–96 were analyzed. Both analyses were produced with the assimilation of subsurface temperature data from expendable bathythermographs and tropical atmosphere–ocean moorings. In addition one analysis also assimilated sea level data from TOPEX/Poseidon. Sea level variability in the two analyses agreed well with each other, and both agree with tide gauge and altimetry data for 1993–95. However, beginning in late 1995 through 1996, large sea level differences of 5–8 cm were found in the tropical western Pacific between the two analyses. Furthermore, large sea level discrepancies were also found between dynamic height estimated from TAO temperatures and tide gauge–altimetry observations in the same region during 1996. These discrepancies are consistent with the sea level differences between the two model based analyses. Historical conductivity–temperature–depth data along 165°E near the equator were also analyzed and it was found that salinity ... Abstract In this study, two sets of Pacific Ocean analyses for 1993–96 were analyzed. Both analyses were produced with the assimilation of subsurface temperature data from expendable bathythermographs and tropical atmosphere–ocean moorings. In addition one analysis also assimilated sea level data from TOPEX/Poseidon. Sea level variability in the two analyses agreed well with each other, and both agree with tide gauge and altimetry data for 1993–95. However, beginning in late 1995 through 1996, large sea level differences of 5–8 cm were found in the tropical western Pacific between the two analyses. Furthermore, large sea level discrepancies were also found between dynamic height estimated from TAO temperatures and tide gauge–altimetry observations in the same region during 1996. These discrepancies are consistent with the sea level differences between the two model based analyses. Historical conductivity–temperature–depth data along 165°E near the equator were also analyzed and it was found that salinity ...