ERS-1 Derived Ocean Surface Winds

Ocean Surface Winds Derived from the ERS-2 Scatterometer


The following map displays the ocean surface winds at 10m from the previous days satellite passes as computed by ESA and provided in their fast delivery product data. The current empirically derived model function being used by ESA to relate normalized radar cross-section with wind speed and direction is referred to as CMOD4. The map below has been divided into 30x20 degree bins for closer examination between latitudes 60N to 60S 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.

This data are considered to be of research quality, and the presented wind speed and direction quantities should not be considered absolute. In storms with high wind gradients, the wind speed values will be underestimated.

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.


  • Global ERS-2 Scatterometer Wind Data - Current

  • Global SSM/I Wind Data - Current

  • Global SSM/I Wind Data - Yesterday


    Archive images


    PAUL CHANG
    NOAA/NESDIS/ORA
    Email: pchang@nesdis.noaa.gov