Initiated in 2020, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has the specific function of observing variations in sea surface elevations, which is instrumental for climatic research, particularly in the study of the El Niño event. The satellite supplies indispensable information that enables scientists to forecast global consequences, ranging from shifts in precipitation to the likelihood of droughts. Source: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite observes changes in the sea surface elevations of the Pacific Ocean to assess the effects of El Niño. The 2023 episode appears to be less severe compared to those in 1997 and 2015, although there is potential for it to intensify.
This satellite is the most recent addition to a three-decade-long record of sea-level data that researchers utilize to contrast the current El Niño against previous occurrences.
It is essential to understand that not all El Niño episodes are identical; their global repercussions can differ significantly. Satellites such as the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, a collaborative project between the U.S. and Europe, aid in forecasting these global impacts by monitoring variations in the Pacific Ocean’s sea surface elevations.
Due to thermal expansion, sea levels usually rise in areas where the water temperature is higher. Elevated sea levels and higher-than-average temperatures in the equatorial Pacific are defining traits of El Niño events. These conditions then extend towards the poles along the Americas’ western coastlines. El Niño can result in increased rainfall in the Southwestern U.S., while causing drought conditions in the western Pacific regions, including Indonesia. Researchers are examining historical data to predict the development of this year’s El Niño event.
Maps for the discussion display sea surface elevations in the Pacific Ocean as of early October for the years 1997, 2015, and 2023, leading up to El Niño events. Elevated ocean elevations are indicated in red and white, while below-average elevations are shown in shades of blue and purple. Source: NASA/JPL-Caltech
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A Retrospective on El Niño Phenomena
Over the past 30 years, there have been two notably severe El Niño events, the first occurring between 1997 and 1998, and the second between 2015 and 2016. Both instances led to changes in global air and ocean temperatures, atmospheric winds, precipitation patterns, and sea levels. Data captured by Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich for 2023, TOPEX/Poseidon for 1997, and Jason-2 for 2015 were used for the comparative maps.
In both October of 1997 and 2015, expansive regions in the central and eastern Pacific exhibited sea levels exceeding 7 inches (approximately 18 centimeters) above the norm. In contrast, the current year has witnessed sea levels that are roughly 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) above average over a more confined area, compared to the events in 1997 and 2015. Given that previous severe episodes peaked in late November or early December, the 2023 event may yet gain strength.
Josh Willis, the project scientist for Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, stated, “Each El Niño has its unique characteristics. The current one may seem less intense compared to its predecessors, but it could still yield a wetter winter in the Southwestern U.S. if conditions align.”
Overview of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich Mission
The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, launched in November 2020, is named in honor of Michael Freilich, the former director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. It is one among two satellites that make up the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission.
This mission is a cooperative effort involving the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), NASA, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It has received financial backing from the European Commission and technical performance support from the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich
What is the primary role of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite?
The primary role of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is to observe and monitor variations in sea surface elevations. This is particularly important for climatic studies and understanding phenomena like El Niño. The satellite provides crucial data that aids researchers in predicting global impacts, such as changes in precipitation patterns and the likelihood of droughts.
How does the 2023 El Niño event compare to those in 1997 and 2015?
The 2023 El Niño event appears to be less severe when compared to those in 1997 and 2015. Specifically, sea levels in 2023 are approximately 2 to 3 inches above average over a smaller area, whereas in 1997 and 2015, sea levels rose by more than 7 inches over more expansive regions in the Pacific.
What kinds of global impacts can El Niño have?
El Niño can have varied global repercussions including changes in rainfall patterns, the onset of drought conditions, and alterations in atmospheric winds. For instance, El Niño often leads to increased rainfall in the Southwestern U.S. and drought conditions in regions like Indonesia in the western Pacific.
What organizations are involved in the Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission?
The Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission is a cooperative effort involving multiple organizations. These include the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), NASA, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Financial support comes from the European Commission, and technical performance support is provided by the French space agency CNES.
How do researchers use the data from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite?
Researchers utilize the data from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite to compare current sea-level conditions with historical data, particularly in the context of El Niño events. This aids in the forecasting of the phenomenon’s global impacts, enabling more effective preparation and response strategies.
What are the defining traits of El Niño events?
The defining characteristics of El Niño events include elevated sea levels and higher-than-average temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. These conditions often extend poleward along the western coasts of the Americas, affecting weather patterns and oceanic conditions globally.
More about Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich
- NASA’s Overview of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich
- European Space Agency’s Sentinel-6 Page
- El Niño and Climate Change: What’s the Connection?
- NOAA’s El Niño Portal
- Understanding El Niño with Sentinel-6 Data
- Global Impacts of El Niño and La Niña
- CNES’ Role in Sentinel-6/Jason-CS
- EUMETSAT Sentinel-6 Mission
- Historical El Niño Events and Their Global Consequences
