Advanced algorithms for QuikScat and SeaWinds/AMSR

QuikScat is providing scientists and weather forecasters with an unprecedented view of ocean winds at a 25-km resolution. With a typical accuracy of 1 m/s in speed and 15/spl deg/ in direction, the retrieved wind vectors are being used for a number of important oceanographic and air/sea interaction...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wentz, F.J., Smith, D.K., Mears, C.A., Gentemann, C.L.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Data processing
Geophysical measurements
Oceans
Radar measurements
Radiometry
Rain
Sea ice
Sea measurements
Weather forecasting
Wind forecasting
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Summary:QuikScat is providing scientists and weather forecasters with an unprecedented view of ocean winds at a 25-km resolution. With a typical accuracy of 1 m/s in speed and 15/spl deg/ in direction, the retrieved wind vectors are being used for a number of important oceanographic and air/sea interaction studies. We present work on a QuikScat wind-vector retrieval algorithm that contains a number of advanced features, including: an updated geophysical model function (Ku-2001), a fully integrated stand-alone rain flag, and the capability to retrieve winds up to 70 m/s. In addition, the QuikScat data processing is done in parallel with our near-real-time operational data processing for SSM/I and TMI. In this way, an additional rain flag as well as a sea-ice flag (both based on the SSM/I and TMI observations) can be appended to the QuikScat wind vectors. We present results of two studies: (1) the capability for QuikScat to measure very high winds (>30 m/s) and (2) comparisons between scatterometer and radiometer wind speed retrievals (i.e. QuikScat versus TMI). These investigations are leading towards a combined SeaWinds-AMSR algorithm for ADEOS-2, which will ingest both scatterometer and radiometer observations to obtain more accurate wind vectors and sea-surface temperatures.
DOI:10.1109/IGARSS.2001.976752