On the selection of multi-satellite altimetry for empirical tide modelling over Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Multi-satellite altimetry has been employed in tidal modelling as its accuracy has been proven acceptable in constructing good-quality models. However, the modelling process often fails to consider the varying temporal resolution and observation periods among satellites, which can affect the accuracy of the model due to aliasing and Rayleigh effects. In Indonesia, we investigate and propose a satellite selection procedure for tidal modelling utilizing the response method, validated with along-track data obtained from both older and newer generations of ERM (Exact Repeat Mission)-type altimetry satellites, including the TOPEX/Jason series (TOPEX, Jason-1, Jason-2, Jason-3, and SENTINEL-6A), ENVISAT, ERS-2, GFO, SENTINEL-3B, and SENTINEL3A. The most optimal satellite combination identified is the TOPEX/Jason series, GFO, and ENVISAT, as they contribute significantly less error compared to ERS-2, SENTINEL-3A, and SENTINEL-3B, with errors exceeding 50%, primarily due to aliasing and Rayleigh effects. This combination of three satellites with tide gauge stations achieves higher precision (11.31 cm) than the current global tidal model. This study provides empirical evidence that the accuracy of tidal models is not solely dependent on the number of altimetry satellites utilized, but implementing effective satellite selection procedures is also crucial to enhance the precision of a model.