Thanks to satellite and in-situ observations, combined with high resolution numerical ocean models, the last decade has seen advances in the knowledge and views of the global ocean surface dynamics, filled with a large number of various mesoscale (~100 km) and sub-mesoscale (<~10 km) meandering surface currents and eddies.  However, we are now faced with the challenge of accurately quantifying the surface current associated with these mesoscale to sub mesoscale features.  Certainly, it not always possible to provide highly accurate forecasts of the locations and evolution of such frontal features and the eddies. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of regular high-quality in-situ observations with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution, which are needed to more fully characterize the relevant upper ocean dynamics.  A consistent and quantitative use of satellite observations aims to advance our understanding and reduce the knowledge gaps of the ocean surface current and upper layer dynamics, particularly at the mesoscale to sub-mesoscale.

Multi-variable observations from past and presently operating remote sensing satellite sensors, including altimeters (e.g., ERS, ENVISAT and others), gravity missions (e.g. GOCE), scatterometers (e.g., ASCAT), SAR (e.g. ERS, ENVISAT), optical measurements (ENVISAT MERIS, AATSR, MODIS Aqua), passive microwave measurements (e.g., SMOS, AMSRE/AMSR2/DMSP) will be consistently and systematically explored in a synergetic approach using available processing methods and tools. This project also anticipates a synergetic use of both satellite missions and multi-variable observations, including those of the coming Sentinel era.