Publié le 7 octobre 2019
Jason-2, a joint NOAA/NASA/CNES/EUMETSAT satellite mission, delivered detailed oceanographic data vital to our understanding of weather forecasting and climate change monitoring. One of its major objectives was to support operational oceanography. Oceans are a major source of food and employment, but can also pose a threat to lives and values, so operational forecasts of the ocean 'weather' are of critical importance. The altimeters on Jason-2 were essential components of a global ocean observation system, providing co-located measurements of significant wave height, wind speed and sea surface topography.
Over its lifetime, Jason-2 collected vital data on decadal (10-yearly) oscillations in large ocean basins, monitored the El Niño and La Niña phenomena, and was an important tool in the study of climate change.
Data from Jason-2 were used for short-range ocean forecasts that can be used in a multitude of applications, ranging from the monitoring of fishing vessels over environmental protection all the way to harbour management. Apart from that, Jason-2 data also were essential in the creation of seasonal ocean forecasts.
The operations of younger brother Jason-3 remains nominal and its continued data production will not be affected in any way.