CEOS EO HANDBOOK – INSTRUMENT SUMMARY - TMR -
Full Name TOPEX Microwave Radiometer Status No longer operational
Instrument Agencies NASA Maturity
Instrument Type Imaging multi-spectral radiometers (passive microwave) Geometry
Instrument Technology Non-scanning MW radiometer Sampling Other
Data Access Data Format
Measurements and Applications Altimeter data to correct for errors caused by water vapour and cloud-cover. Also measures total water vapour and brightness temperature.
Resolution Summary 44.7 km at 18 GHz, 37.4 km at 21 GHz, 23.6 km at 37 GHz
Swath Summary 120 deg cone centred on nadir
Accuracy Summary Total water vapour: 0.2 g/sq cm, Brightness temperature: 0.3 K
Waveband Summary Microwave: 18 GHz, 21 GHz, 37 GHz
MW (~0.1 cm - ~100 cm)
Instrument Measurements
Measurements Overview
CategoryParameter
Atmospheric Humidity FieldsAtmospheric specific humidity (LT)
Ocean topography/currentsOcean dynamic topography
Thematic Links Global Climate Observing System Essential Climate Variables (GCOS ECVs)
ECVDescriptionProduct(s)ECV Inventory 3.0 Record(s)
Sea Level click here click here search ECV Inventory records
Water Vapour (upper air) click here click here search ECV Inventory records
Instrument Missions
Topex-Poseidon - Topographic Experiment/Poseidon (1992 - 2006)