Outreach and Education

Outreach and educational materials developed by the Office of Climate Education (OCE) in partnership with CNES.

Classroom activity: Reading ocean from space

The classroom activity Reading Ocean from Space helps students to explore how the SWOT satellite mission observes the ocean and freshwater systems, and to understand their role in climate science. It was developed by the Office for Climate education in partnership with CNES.

Video 1/5: What is SWOT and Its Role in Climate Change ?

Francesco d’Ovidio (Researcher at LOCEAN-IPSL / CNRS) and Hind Oubanas (Researcher at INRAE G-eau) introduce the innovative SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite mission. They explain how its high-resolution radar pulses measure water elevation with unprecedented precision, revolutionizing Earth observation. This video highlights how SWOT sheds new light on ocean currents and water levels, underscoring the critical importance of monitoring our changing climate and global waters.

Video 2/5: How SWOT improves flood forecasts

Quentin Bonassies (CERFACS/CNES/CLS) explores how satellites can help anticipate one of the most devastating climate risks: flooding. By combining SWOT’s satellite data with computer river models, scientists can now predict floods more accurately, helping communities prepare and manage water in a changing climate.