CryoSat ice satellite rides new waves Newsletter Subscription
Monday, Dec 9, 2013  CryoSat ice satellite rides new waves
CryoSat was built to measure tiny variations in the thickness of
Earth's ice. As a result, the mission is providing scientists
with the data they need to help improve our understanding of the
relationship between ice, climate and sea level.  As CryoSat
orbits from pole to pole, it passes over vast expanses of ocean.
So while the mission was designed specifically for ice
monitoring, it can also serve to help improve the safety of
marine traffic.  The satellite carries Europe's first radar
altimeter specialised for the purpose of detecting tiny
variations in the height of the ice - but it can also be used to
measure sea level and the height of the waves.  The instrument
sends out short radar pulses and measures the time it takes for
the signals to travel from the satellite to the ground and back.
This information provides the height of the surface below.  The
advantage of yielding this kin