Comparison of SARAL and Jason-1/2 altimetry-derived geoids for geophysical exploration over the Indian offshore

Satellite with ARgos and ALtika (SARAL) altimeter includes the ALTIKA payload, a 35.75 GHz Ka band radar altimeter. High pulse repetition frequency of SARAL (4 KHz) satellite provides better along-track information. Jason-1/2 data have been extensively utilized as a follow-up of TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data for its accurate measurements of the sea surface heights, particularly for geodetic mission of Jason-1. In this study, we have compared SARAL and Jason-1/2 altimetry-derived classical and residual geoids over the Indian offshore using Rapp’s, EGM96 and EGM08 gravity model coefficients, which are of interest for better understanding of geological and structural evolution/interpretation. SARAL and Jason-1/2 data have also been used over the two prominent geological features over the Indian offshore, namely the Bombay High in the western offshore and the 85°E Ridge in the Bay of Bengal. The SARAL altimetry-derived geoids could delineate these major geological/structural features with distinct residual ge...