The current rate of the lunar orbit expansion cannot be projected back into the past without convergence of the lunar orbit with Earth. Satellite altimeters systematically map the height of the ocean surface. These measurements,which depend on accurate orbital knowledge, provide a valuable resource for determining the detailed tidal response of the ocean.
Ocean tides represent a critical unknown in a host of geophysical studies.
For altimeter missions, they are the largest source of error in the determination of the ocean's dynamic topography. Understanding the nature of tidal dissipation and ocean bottom friction requires a more detailed knowledge of ocean tides. Better tide models are also required to support ocean tidal loading models needed to analyze precise gravimetry.