Description:
Jointly sponsored by NASA and the French Space Agency (CNES) the TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite has continuously surveyed the ocean surface height with a radar altimeter since launch in 1992. Now operating beyond its design lifetime, it is hoped that TOPEX/POSEIDON will continue to collect data until fall of 2000 when the follow-on mission, Jason-1, will be launched.

Scientists are using TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite data, accurate to within 4cm, to learn about ocean circulation including phenomena such as the El Niño/La Niña cycle. Oceans are a key mechanism in transporting heat from the sun around the globe. Researchers are working to improve the understanding of the role of oceans in controlling seasonal variations and longer-term climate changes. TOPEX/POSEIDON data are also used for operational purposes including ship routing, fisheries management, hurricane forecasting and support of underwater activities such as cable laying.

The TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1 projects develop and provide a wide variety of physical oceanography materials to K-13 educators and students including CD-ROMs, posters, brochures and videos. Many resources are available through the Web. TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite data are posted on the Web and can be accessed for use in the classroom.

URL:
http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov

Organization:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Contact:
Susan Digby, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, M/S 263-355, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA; Phone: (818) 354-6036; Fax (818) 354-0368; Email: topex@jpl.nasa.gov.

Education Level:
Kindergarten-Grade 4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
Undergraduate

Subject:
Climate
Earth System Science
El Niño
Global Environmental Change
Oceanography - Biological
Oceanography - Geological
Oceanography -Physical
Remote Sensing

Program type:
Curriculum Development/Support

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00