Lunar tidal acceleration obtained from satellite-derived ocean tide parameters

Abstract

Observation equations for the M2 ocean tide are computed from Geos 3 data for the long periodic variations of the inclination and node of the orbit. M2 ocean tide parameter values C22+ = 3.23 + or - 0.25 cm, epsilon 22+ = 331 + or - 6 deg, and epsilon 42+ = 113 + or - 6 deg are determined. With the assumption of zero solid tide phase lag, the lunar tidal acceleration is mostly (85%) due to the C22+ term in the expansion of the M2 tide with additional small contributions from the O1 and N2 tides. The calculated value for the tidal acceleration in lunar longitude is -27.4 + or - 3 arc sec/sq (100 yr) which is similar to values determined from astronomical data. The mean elements of Geos 3 are presented in tabular form.