| The near real time (NRT) processing of altimeter data was developed by CLS as part of DUACS (Developing Use of Altimetry for Climate Studies), a European Commission 3-year project which started in February 1997. DUACS was coordinated by CLS, and gathered four of the major climate research teams in Europe. Since the end of DUACS, the system has continued to provide NRT altimeter data for operational oceanography applications. During that time period, a new version of the system was also developed and has been operational since early 2002. The new system called SSALTO/DUACS is part of the CNES SSALTO multi-mission ground segment and is funded by CNES and the Midi-Pyrénées regional Council. It incorporates several improvements in the processing algorithms and is able to process TOPEX/POSEIDON (TP), ERS-2, GEOSAT Follow On (GFO), Jason-1 and ENVISAT data. The most recent geophysical corrections are applied and improved orbit error and long wavelength error reduction schemes are used. SSALTO/DUACS now provides MERCATOR, GODAE and climate forecasting centers with directly useable, high quality NRT altimeter data. Delayed mode high quality data are also produced for reanalysis activities. An overview of the SSALTO/DUACS system will be given and its main applications and users will be described. |
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