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Jason Radiometer Stability Monitoring System

The Jason series of satellites provides sustained radar altimetry observations and continuous data on sea surface height (SSH) accurate to within a few centimeters all over the globe, to tell us about variations in surface and deep-water ocean circulation. Jason's ability to measure mean sea level with millimeter accuracy is a key asset for monitoring climate change.

The microwave radiometers on Jason satellites estimate the path delay of radar altimeter caused by atmospheric water vapor. The calibration accuracy and stability (both short and long term) of the radiometer are critical for the Jason mission to meet the stringent requirements. Unfortunately, radiometers are prone to drifts, step jumps, and other types of irregularities that can result in height rate errors comparable to 1 mm/yr, the stability requirement for measuring global mean sea level rise.

The Jason Radiometer Stability Monitoring System is developed by NOAA/NESDIS/STAR to monitor the satbility of Jason Radiometers. This monitoring is performed through comparisons with other microwave radiometers with similar channels at Simultaneous Nadir Overpass (SNO) locations, as well as vicarious techniques. For more information, please click on one of the links below.
gear Jason-3 gear Jason-2 AMR gear Jason-1 TMR
pdf Jason-2 Study Report June 2010 globe External Links info About JASON
info Reference


Programmer Manager: Laury Miller
Project Manager: John Lillibridge
Calibration Scientist: Changyong Cao
Support Scientist: Roy Chen; Bin Zhang
Web Developer: Yan Bai; Bin Zhang

This project is supported by the Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR).