Introduction

GAMBLE is a Thematic Network programme funded under EC Framework V, running from February 2002 for 21 months. The participants are research and operational user communities who benefit from satellite altimetry. The programme consists of a series of workshops, informed by expert groups, designed to answer pertinent questions such as:

• How may the greater precision of satellites like Jason and Envisat be used to calibrate less precise sea surface height measurements from microsat altimeters?
• What modifications could be made to a wave-measuring microsat to make it more compatible with the larger, science-driven, ocean topographic missions?
• With what precision could (say) weekly global charts of major surface currents and eddies be issued for the benefit of general shipping?

Objectives

GAMBLE will investigate the synergy between European satellite altimeter missions before launch, primarily for ocean applications. GAMBLE will also:

• Complement and help co-ordinate existing research and development activities;
• Stimulate existing user groups and integrate new users;
• Identify possible areas of new research;
• Enhance the state-of-the-art by extending the uses of satellite altimetry;
• Increase awareness within the marine industry of the relevance of satellite altimeter products to their operations.

Deliverables

There are 2 formal project deliverables:

1. The definition of a research programme to make best use of data from missions studied under GAMBLE (JASON, ENVISAT, GANDER, ALTIKA, SWIMSAT, CRYOSAT). The main aim will be to create a methodology for combining these data sets into higher level data products for research and applications.
2. Recommendations for the optimisation of the GANDER, SWIMSAT and ALTIKA missions (orbits, tracking, orbit maintenance, payload specifications, scheduling).

Contacts

To register interest and make comments or suggestions please contact David Cotton or Ellis Ash of Satellite Observing Systems.

For more information download the Description of Work in the documents section.