Mean Earth Ellipsoid Determined from SEASAT Altimeter Observations.
Abstract
The radius and the origin of a mean-earth ellipsoid have been determined from SEASAT satellite radar altimeter observations of the ocean surface and potential coefficients. Assuming that the altimetric geoid is the best available, adjustments are made to the geoid derived from potential coefficients so that the geoid height differences are minimized. A least-squares fitting procedure based on mean geoid heights in 5 degrees x 5 degrees areas was used in the determination of the ellipsoidal parameters. Solutions from two different sets of altimetric geoid heights and geoid heights derived from potential coefficients gave a mean-earth ellipsoid with radius, a = 6378134.9 m and origin shifts less than 1 m in the x and y components and approximately -2.5 m in the z component. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA117910
Entities
People
- Gladys B. West
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division