Measuring currents, ice drift, and waves from space: the Sea surface KInematics Multiscale monitoring (SKIM) concept

We propose a satellite mission that uses a near-nadir Ka-band Doppler radar to measure surface currents, ice drift and ocean waves at spatial scales of 40 km and more, with snapshots at least every day for latitudes 75 to 82 degrees, and every few days for other latitudes. The use of incidence angles of 6 and 12 degrees allows for measurement of the directional wave spectrum, which yields accurate corrections of the wave-induced bias in the current measurements. The instrument's design, an algorithm for current vector retrieval and the expected mission performance are presented here. The instrument proposed can reveal features of tropical ocean and marginal ice zone (MIZ) dynamics that are inaccessible to other measurement systems, and providing global monitoring of the ocean mesoscale that surpasses the capability of today's nadir altimeters. Measuring ocean wave properties has many applications, including examining wave-current interactions, air-sea fluxes, the transport and convergence of marine plastic debris and assessment of marine and coastal hazards.

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Ardhuin Fabrice, Aksenov Yevgueny, Benetazzo Alvise, Bertino Laurent, Brandt Peter, Caubet Eric, Chapron Bertrand, Collard Fabrice, Cravatte Sophie, Delouis Jean Marc, Dias Frederic, Dibarboure Gerald, Gaultier Lucile, Johannessen Johnny, Korosov Anton, Manucharyan Georgy, Menemenlis Dimitris, Menendez Melisa, Monnier Goulven, Mouche Alexis, Nouguier Frederic, Nurser George, Rampal Pierre, Reniers Ad, Rodriguez Ernesto, Stopa Justin, Tison Celine, Ubelmann Clement, Van Sebille Erik, Xie Jiping (2018). Measuring currents, ice drift, and waves from space: the Sea surface KInematics Multiscale monitoring (SKIM) concept. Ocean Science. 14 (3). 337-354. https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-337-2018, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00442/55318/

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