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CryoSat-2 SAR-Mode Over Oceans: Processing Methods, Global Assessment, and Benefits

Inspired by the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technique, a nadir radar altimeter concept called the “Delay/Doppler altimeter” or “SAR mode altimeter” provides better precision and resolution capabilities than conventional pulse-limited altimeters (i.e., low-resolution mode). This concept was initially carried on board the CryoSat-2 satellite, then used on Sentinel-3, initially for user requirements on ice or inland water monitoring. This paper addresses geophysical parameter retrieval from Delay/Doppler altimetry over ocean surfaces. For the inversion of geophysical parameters (sea surface height, significant wave height, and backscatter coefficient), we developed an inversion method based on the numerical computation of the radar power-return equation, including instrument design features, such as the range and azimuth impulse responses. To compare this technique with respect to conventional altimetry, we also generated reduced SAR (RDSAR) measurements from the same input data. Geophysical parameter retrieval from low- and high-resolution techniques was then performed for cross-comparison, demonstrating consistency for both techniques, but with a constant 3-cm bias. The proposed processing strategy was then validated using two years of CryoSat-2 data over oceans. The SAR mode provides significant benefits for the observation of small-scale signals (below 50 km) and performs as accurately as conventional altimetry for basin or global scales. The results demonstrate what is expected from the upcoming Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6/Jason-CS missions.