ScienceAugust 26, 2026

altimetry

al-TIM-uh-tree

Definition

The measurement of height or elevation, specifically in oceanography, the use of satellite-based radar to measure the height of the sea surface.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'altus' (high) and the Greek suffix '-metria' (measurement), it entered English to describe the specialized field of calculating elevations or altitudes.

In the news

The article contrasts new beach-level mapping techniques with conventional satellite altimetry, noting that the latter historically struggles to provide accurate data close to the coastline.

Tides Can Vary by Nearly a Meter Across a Single Bay and We’re Just Figuring This Out

Read the full article ↗

ZME Science

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