Swot close to the coasts

Left, Swot KaRIn reflected radar power (sigma0) and, right, in color, the KaRIn 250-m sea level anomalies with derived geostrophic currents overlaid (black lines with arrows). The day of the measurement is an exceptional one, with few waves and little wind. Under these conditions, Swot captures very small-scale roughness changes, visible in sigma0 (white filaments). Those are the tracers of ocean turbulence generated by the movements of larger-scale ocean eddies. The sea level anomalies map mostly show those eddies. (Credit Cnes/CLS/JPL)
Left, Swot KaRIn reflected radar power (sigma0) and, right, in color, the KaRIn 250-m sea level anomalies with derived geostrophic currents overlaid (black lines with arrows). The day of the measurement is an exceptional one, with few waves and little wind. Under these conditions, Swot captures very small-scale roughness changes, visible in sigma0 (white filaments). Those are the tracers of ocean turbulence generated by the movements of larger-scale ocean eddies. The sea level anomalies map mostly show those eddies. (Credit Cnes/CLS/JPL)
Situation map of the Swot track (over a slightly larger area)
Situation map of the Swot track (over a slightly larger area)


One of Swot's most eagerly awaited results over the oceans lies at their boundaries: close to the coast. Conventional coastal altimetry has been a research topic for several years now, to get as close to land as possible, but measurements are and will remain limited to a thread of data below each satellite, overlooking large areas. Swot observes over its entire swath, thus covering most of coastal areas. Moreover, with the 250-m resolution of the data provided near the coasts, fine-scale details of the coastal ocean dynamics are revealed. 


Coastal areas have the most anthropogenic interactions, the highest economical and ecological stakes, the most pollution and risks (particularly of marine submersion). Swot's regular monitoring of coastal ocean dynamics is crucial for addressing these challenges.