Using Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistics to Compare Geostrophic Velocities Measured by the Jason,TOPEX, and Poseidon Altimeters

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test is used to compare probability density functions (PDFs) of geostrophic velocities measured by the TOPEX, Poseidon, and Jason altimeters. Velocity PDFs are computed in 2.5° by 2.5° boxes for regions equatorward of 60° latitude. Although velocities measured by the TOPEX and Jason altimeters can differ, on the basis of the K-S test the velocities are statistically equivalent during the ～200 day period when the satellites followed the same orbit. Full records from TOPEX, Poseidon, and Jason show less agreement, which can be attributed to temporal variability in ocean surface velocities and differing levels of measurement noise.