The is an upcoming Earth observation satellite mission led by NASA and the French Space Agency (CNES).

SWOT’s primary scientific objectives are to:

Measure the elevation of the ocean surface to within a few centimeters.
Measure the width and slope of rivers, lakes, and other surface water bodies.
Study the movement of water in the ocean and on land.

Table of Contents

Mission Overview

SWOT is a radar interferometry mission that will use two radar antennas to measure the height of the ocean surface and the topography of land surfaces. The mission will be launched in late 2023 and will operate for at least three years.

The SWOT satellite will be placed in a polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 890 kilometers (553 miles). The satellite will carry two radar antennas, each of which will be 10 meters (33 feet) long. The antennas will be separated by 100 meters (328 feet) and will point towards the Earth’s surface.

As the satellite orbits the Earth, the radar antennas will emit pulses of microwave energy towards the surface. The energy will reflect off the surface and return to the satellite, where it will be recorded and processed. The data will be used to create maps of the ocean surface elevation and the topography of land surfaces.

Science Objectives

SWOT’s science objectives are to:

Measure the elevation of the ocean surface to within a few centimeters. This will provide data on the ocean’s circulation, sea level, and tides.
Measure the width and slope of rivers, lakes, and other surface water bodies. This will provide data on the flow of water in these systems.
Study the movement of water in the ocean and on land. This will provide data on the global water cycle.

Applications

The data from SWOT will have a wide range of applications, including:

Climate science: SWOT will provide data on sea level rise, ocean circulation, and the global water cycle. This data will be used to improve climate models and predict future climate change.
Water resources management: SWOT will provide data on the flow of water in rivers, lakes, and other surface water bodies. This data will be used to improve water resources management and prevent flooding.
Navigation: SWOT will provide data on the elevation of the ocean surface. This data will be used to improve navigation and safety at sea.
Science education: SWOT will provide data that can be used to teach students about the Earth’s oceans and water cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will SWOT be launched?
SWOT is scheduled to be launched in late 2023.

How long will the SWOT mission last?
The SWOT mission is expected to last for at least three years.

What are the science objectives of SWOT?
SWOT’s science objectives are to measure the elevation of the ocean surface, the width and slope of rivers and lakes, and the movement of water in the ocean and on land.

What are the applications of SWOT data?
SWOT data will be used for climate science, water resources management, navigation, and science education.

References

NASA:
CNES:

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify and assess a company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. It provides a comprehensive view of a company’s situation and helps guide decision-making and strategy development.

The four components of SWOT analysis are:

Strengths: Internal attributes that give a company an advantage over competitors.
Weaknesses: Internal attributes that hinder a company’s performance.
Opportunities: External factors that present potential growth and development possibilities.
Threats: External factors that pose risks to a company’s operations or financial position.

By conducting a thorough SWOT analysis, companies can:

Identify and capitalize on their strengths.
Address and mitigate their weaknesses.
Exploit opportunities for growth and market expansion.
Develop strategies to counter or minimize threats.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

NASA is a U.S. government agency responsible for the advancement of aeronautics and space exploration. Founded in 1958, its mission is to explore space, foster scientific discovery, and promote the development of air and space technology. NASA has played a leading role in major space endeavors, including the Apollo missions to the Moon, the development of the Space Shuttle, and the ongoing exploration of Mars. The agency also contributes to technology advancements in areas such as renewable energy, robotics, and Earth science. NASA’s research and explorations continue to inspire innovation and push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability in space and beyond.

Ocean Current Observations

Ocean currents play a vital role in Earth’s climate system, distributing heat and nutrients globally. Monitoring and understanding these currents is crucial for weather forecasting, marine ecosystems, and human activities.

Observational Techniques:

Shipboard Measurements: Ships measure currents using instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), which emit sound waves to detect water movement.
Satellite Remote Sensing: Satellites use altimeters to measure sea surface height, which can be used to infer surface currents.
Moored Buoys: Buoys anchored in the ocean record current speed and direction over time.
Drifters: Free-floating devices follow the movement of ocean currents, providing data on surface flow patterns.

Major Ocean Currents:

Gulf Stream: A warm current flowing north along the east coast of North America.
Kuroshio Current: A warm current flowing north along the east coast of Asia.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): A periodic reversal of ocean currents in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
Circumpolar Current: A cold current flowing clockwise around Antarctica.

Applications:

Weather Forecasting: Ocean currents influence weather patterns by transporting heat and moisture.
Marine Ecosystems: Currents shape marine habitats, providing nutrients and distributing organisms.
Navigation: Knowledge of ocean currents is essential for safe and efficient ship navigation.
Climate Models: Ocean current observations are used to improve climate models and predict future climate scenarios.

Earth Observation Satellite

An Earth observation satellite (EOS) is a spacecraft designed to observe Earth’s surface from orbit. EOSs are used to gather data on a wide range of environmental parameters, including land cover, ocean temperature, and atmospheric chemistry.

These data can be used to monitor environmental changes, forecast weather, and manage natural resources. EOSs play a vital role in understanding the Earth system and addressing global environmental challenges.

Oceanography Research

Oceanography research encompasses the study of all aspects of the oceans, including their physical, chemical, biological, and geological characteristics. It aims to understand the complex processes that shape the oceans and their role in the global climate system.

Physical oceanography
Physical oceanographers investigate the physical properties of the oceans, including temperature, salinity, density, waves, currents, and tides. They use various tools, such as buoys, satellites, and underwater vehicles, to measure and monitor these parameters. Physical oceanographic research is essential for understanding the dynamics of ocean circulation, predicting weather patterns, and forecasting hazards such as tsunamis.

Chemical oceanography
Chemical oceanographers study the chemical composition of the oceans, including the distribution of nutrients, dissolved gases, and pollutants. They investigate the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, the role of the oceans in the carbon cycle, and the impact of human activities on marine chemistry. Chemical oceanographic research is crucial for understanding ocean health, predicting climate change, and developing strategies for pollution mitigation.

Biological oceanography
Biological oceanographers study the living organisms in the oceans, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. They investigate the diversity, distribution, and ecology of marine life, as well as the interactions between different species and the abiotic environment. Biological oceanographic research is essential for understanding the functioning of marine ecosystems, predicting the impact of climate change on marine life, and managing fisheries and other marine resources.

Geological oceanography
Geological oceanographers study the structure and evolution of the ocean floor, including its geological features, sediment composition, and plate tectonics. They use tools such as sonar, seismic surveys, and drilling to explore the ocean floor and reconstruct its history. Geological oceanographic research provides insights into the formation and evolution of the Earth’s crust, the origin of continents, and the accumulation and storage of marine resources.

Ocean Surface Topography

Ocean surface topography refers to the variations in the height of the ocean surface due to forces acting on the ocean. It is a crucial element in understanding ocean circulation, climate dynamics, and marine navigation. Factors that influence ocean surface topography include gravity, wind stress, ocean currents, atmospheric pressure, and temperature variations. The study of ocean surface topography involves collecting data through satellite observations, tide gauges, and other instruments to map and analyze ocean height variations. These measurements provide valuable insights into ocean dynamics, sea level changes, and the impact of climate change on the marine environment.

Satellite Oceanography

Satellite oceanography utilizes remote sensing data collected by satellites orbiting Earth to monitor and study various oceanographic parameters. This technology enables scientists to observe large-scale ocean dynamics, such as sea surface temperature, ocean currents, sea surface height, and biological productivity, providing valuable insights into global climate change, marine ecosystems, and weather patterns.

Coastal Oceanography

Coastal oceanography is a branch of oceanography that focuses on the study of coastal areas, which are the regions of ocean that are near to the land. Coastal areas are important because they are home to a wide variety of marine life and they also play a role in regulating the climate.

Coastal oceanography investigates the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that occur in coastal areas. This includes studying the circulation of water, the waves, the tides, the sediment transport, and the interactions between the ocean and the land.

Coastal oceanography is a relatively new field of study, but it has already made significant contributions to our understanding of the coastal environment. This knowledge is essential for managing coastal resources and protecting the marine environment.

Marine Remote Sensing

Marine remote sensing is the use of remote sensing technologies to collect data about marine environments. These technologies include:

Active remote sensing: Emits energy and records the reflected energy to map the surface of the ocean.
Passive remote sensing: Records naturally emitted energy from the ocean to measure temperature, salinity, and other parameters.

Sea Level Monitoring

Sea level monitoring is crucial for understanding climate change, coastal hazards, and the impact on coastal communities. It involves measuring the height of the ocean surface and tracking changes over time. Satellite altimetry and tide gauges are primary methods used for this purpose. Altimeters measure sea level variability from space, providing global coverage. Tide gauges, installed along coastlines, provide continuous measurements at specific locations, contributing to long-term data records. These measurements are essential for understanding sea-level trends, predicting extreme events like storm surges, and supporting coastal adaptation strategies.

Ocean Surface Phenomena

Ocean surface phenomena encompass a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring at the interface between the ocean and atmosphere. These phenomena play a crucial role in regulating heat and gas exchange, influencing climate patterns, and supporting marine ecosystems.

Notable surface phenomena include:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST): The temperature of the uppermost layer of the ocean, which varies with latitude, season, and ocean currents. It influences atmospheric circulation and weather patterns.
Salinity: The concentration of dissolved salts in seawater, which affects ocean density, buoyancy, and circulation.
Waves: Surface disturbances caused by wind, tides, or earthquakes. They transport energy, reshape coastlines, and support marine life.
Surface Currents: Horizontal water flows driven by wind, density differences, and tides. They distribute heat and nutrients, influence marine ecosystems, and shape ocean circulation patterns.
Sea Ice: Frozen seawater that forms at high latitudes or during extreme cold. It affects climate by reflecting sunlight and isolating underlying water from the atmosphere.
Albedo: The proportion of sunlight reflected by the ocean surface. It influences the Earth’s energy balance and contributes to climate regulation.
Biological Phenomena: Marine organisms such as phytoplankton and zooplankton reside at or near the ocean surface, contributing to nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and food web dynamics.