Ocean Surface Winds Derived from the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT - 25km)

This page includes PREVIOUS DAY'S DATA. For current data, click here

The following map displays the ocean surface winds at a 10m height from today's satellite passes as processed by NOAA/NESDIS, from near real-time data collected by the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) aboard the EUMETSAT METOP satellite. For additional information about the EUMETSAT METOP or ASCAT programs, please visit the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS). In Europe, KNMI is responsible for the ASCAT wind products, and additional information can be found at the EUMETSAT Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility (OSI SAF).

The current empirically derived model function being used by to relate normalized radar cross-section with wind speed and direction is referred to as ASCAT1. The map below has been divided into 30x20 degree bins for closer examination between latitudes 80N to 80S and longitudes 180W to 180E. Just click on the desired geographical location and hopefully a closer look will be provided. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Please Note: While these wind data are obtained from the operational data stream available at NOAA/NESDIS, this web site is not maintained with 24x7 support.

The KNMI wind vector quality flag is being used at this time.


The wind vector retrievals thought to be corrupted are contaminated are colored in black.

The NOAA ASCAT wind products are in their validation phase.
The ASCAT wind products displayed here should be considered pre-operational.

Ascending Pass

Descending Pass

Available archive images: (2007032--2008185)

PAUL CHANG
NOAA/NESDIS/ORA
Email: paul.s.chang@noaa.gov