Evaluating and Extending the Ocean Wind Climate Data Record.

Area of Science:

• Earth Science
• Climate Science
• Oceanography

Background:

• Satellite microwave sensors (scatterometers and radiometers) have provided nearly 40 years of near-surface ocean wind data.
• This data is crucial for studying and monitoring weather and climate variability.
• Ocean Wind Climate Data Records (OW-CDRs) are developed by intercalibrating and merging various satellite wind datasets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ensure the continuity of ocean wind climate data records.
• To evaluate and intercalibrate satellite-derived ocean wind measurements.
• To address future challenges in maintaining long-term ocean wind monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Intercalibration of satellite sensor measurements (e.g., OSCAT-2, QuikSCAT, RapidScat).
• Comparison of satellite data with ocean buoys for validation.
• Utilizing specialized model assimilations to create high-resolution wind vector grids.
• Calibration of measurements using stable rainforest targets.

Main Results:

• Established long-term ocean wind climate data records through sensor intercalibration and merging.
• Identified challenges for future data continuity, including the failure of RapidScat and the lack of scheduled radiometer missions.
• Demonstrated the utility of specialized model assimilations for compositing satellite wind information.

Conclusions:

• Continued systematic monitoring of ocean winds is essential for climate studies.
• Intercalibration and validation are critical for creating consistent and reliable climate data records.
• Proactive planning is needed to address gaps in satellite observation systems for future climate monitoring.