CCI Sea State

In 2010, the Climate Change Initiative program has been launched  by ESA in order to deliver the most complete, accurate and consistent database of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs).

The Sea State CCI project focuses on combining seamlessly different satellite sensors and reducing the noise of sea state parameters. Radar altimeters provide high-resolution along-track records of wind speeds and wave heights continuously since the early 90s, and Synthetic Aperture Radars are particularly useful for swell directional properties. Because waves are generated by the wind over the open ocean, the sea state climate varies with large scale climate patterns, such as El Niños, and trends. The project database will thus be analyzed to identify these patterns in order to help understand ongoing changes in sea state climate.

Phase 1: 2018-2021

Phase 2: 2021-2024

More information here