Eastward Wind ("U"-Component)

In June 1999 NASA launched the Quik Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) satellite containing the SeaWinds radar sensor. This instrument allowed for the retrieval of near-surface wind information over the oceans, and their orbit characteristics allow for a complete coverage of the planet every 24 hours. Our data holdings contain QuikSCAT data provided by the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER).

dates available: 1999-2009

spatial resolution: 0.5° (40 km)

data archive: https://oceanwatch.pifsc.noaa.gov/doc.html#wind

caution: QuikSCAT terminated on Nov 15, 2009: use ASCAT for current winds.