The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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As well as mapping the height of the sea surface, data from the altimeter is useful for measuring waves. Significant wave height – trough to crest of the tallest third of waves – together with wind speed over the ocean are known collectively as ‘sea state’. In the coastal zone, radar altimetry data is particularly useful for understanding storm surges, as it can be used to determine the ‘total water level envelope’, which includes the mean rise in water levels as well as the waves riding on top. Waves can ‘over-top’ coastal defences and cause catastrophic flooding, sediment transport, damage to infrastructure and loss of life.