Comparison of the X-TRACK altimetry estimated currents with moored ADCP and HF radar observations on the West Florida Shelf

摘要: Abstract The performance of coastal altimetry over a wide continental shelf is assessed using multiple-year ocean current observations by moored Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) and high-frequency (HF) radar on the West Florida Shelf. Across-track, surface geostrophic velocity anomalies, derived from X-TRACK along-track sea level anomalies are compared with near vector components ADCP at mid shelf. altimeter-derived also directly HF radial that aligned perpendicular to satellite track. Preliminary results indicate potential usefulness data in contributing descriptions circulation Shelf challenges such applications. On subtidal time scales, root-mean-square difference (rmsd) between estimated observed component 8–11 cm/s, which about same magnitude as standard deviations themselves. Adding wind-driven Ekman generally helps reduce rmsd values.