The DTU 2022 Mean Dynamic Topography models

The mean dynamic topography (MDT) describes the differences between the time-mean sea surface and the geoid and reflect the mean circulation in the oceans. In this analysis the so-called geodetic mean dynamic topography model DTU22MDT is derived using the recent DTU21MSS mean sea surface. As geoid model the XGM2019e model complete to d/o 2160 was applied. The processing scheme used for deriving the geodetic MDT is based on spatial filtering for reducing errors. Subsequently, drifter velocities from in-situ buys are integrated to enhance the resolution of the MDT model. The final model DTUUH22MDT provide a state-of-the-art description of the 20 year mean global ocean circulation.

Further information on the methodology may be found in:

Knudsen, P., Andersen, O.B., and Maximenko, N., 2021. A new ocean mean dynamic topography model, derived from a combination of gravity, altimetry and drifter velocity data. Advances in Space Research, Volume 68, Issue 2, 1090-1102.

The models are available in

• GRAVSOFT grid format (in ascii)
• XYZ ascii file format