The overall aim of OCTAS is to enhance Norwegian capacity in Earth observation technologies in a coordinated way by promoting and developing methods for the joint exploitation of current space mission and associated climate modelling.

It is the goal to determine - in an integrated approach using space born and in situ data - the mean dynamic sea surface topography (MDT) in the Fram Strait and adjacent seas, as a crucial input for ocean circulation and transport studies in the polar region, and to assess the impact of the MDT through assimilation in ocean circulation models.

The anticipated global warming is likely to affect the polar climate early and significantly. A possible weakening of the mean ocean circulation and the asociate northward heat transport between Europe and Greenland would significantly affect the climate in Northern Europe and also change ocean upwelling and transports of larvae, both relevant for fish populations.

Considering the large European investment in Earth observing satellites, it is of great importance that the space borne data are fully exploited in the context of ocean monitoring.

The project aims to enhance Norwegian capacity in Earth observation technologies by developing methods for the joint expoitation of current mission like CHAMP, GRACE, and JASON-1 and the approved ESA Envisat (Radar Altimeter) and GOCE missions for ocean circulation studies and associated climate modelling.

The study region with the Fram Strait and the adjacent seas, complements that of the EU-funded GOCINA project. An accurate geoid and the mean sea surface height will be determined and used to get a higly accurate dynamic sea surface topography. The latter is used for improved analysis of the ocean circulation and transport facilitating a major part of the exchange between the Arctic Sea and the North Atlantic.