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SeaWinds Gridded Data Sets

It is often easier to use data that has been processed into a regular latitude-longitude grid. However, data from polar orbiting satellites are archived in swaths, relative to the satellite track, rather than a global grid. Satellite data must be averaged in places where tracks cross, and gaps in coverage must be filled. This problem can be solved by averaging over sufficiently long times, but many researchers are interested in averages over shorter times. The rapidly growing use of satellite observations has lead to many techniques for averaging and/or filling gaps.

Several forms of QuikSCAT gridded data are available on-line. Links to descriptions of the data sets that are publicly available. The following general table outlines the available gridded data products. A more detailed table that focusses on gridded techniques is also available. Further explanations of winds, pseudostresses, and stresses (including conversions) are available.

Information on Data Sets

The data sets that are publicly available are described. Basic essentials are the times and regions of coverage, and the expected delivery date or delay in delivery. Below are links to descriptions of the data sets, and links to the data sets.
 
 
Type of Data Field
Data Sets
Documentation
Production Delay
Accessibility
Winds
Global
Project Level 3.0
Content
Format
None
FTP, CD, DVD, or Tape
Tang and Liu
Content
Format
?
FTP
Blended Winds from Morzel, Milliff, and Chin
Content
Format
?
Web Interface
Pseudo-
Stresses
Gulf of Mexico
COAPS/FSU Objectively Analyzed
Content
Format
<4 days
Web Interface, DODS
Global
COAPS/FSU Objectively Analyzed
Content
Format
<4 days
Web Interface, DODS
Global
COAPS/FSU Objectively Analyzed Monthly 1x1
Content
Format
1 month
Web Interface, DODS
Global
COAPS/FSU Objectively Analyzed Monthly 0.5x0.5
Content
Format
1 month
Web Interface, DODS
Stresses
Global
COAPS/FSU Objectively Averaged
Content
Format
<4 days
Web Interface, DODS
Please send updates and comments to QSCAT-sfc-truth@coaps.fsu.edu.

Detailed Information on Gridded Data Sets

Documentation on data structures (e.g., layout of data, units, scaling factors) and meta-data will be developed by the providers of the data sets. If and when available, links to this information will be provided.

Delay In Production

All listed delays are relative to the end of the day that the data becomes available.

Ease of Access

Read routines are linked (if available) to the more detailed description of the data sets. Alternatively, we anticipate access to these data sets through the Distributed Oceanographic Data System (DODS).


/scatterometry/ /lib/biblio/scatterometry/ / NSCAT Background QuickSCAT Background NSCAT Animations QSCAT Animations NSCAT Still Images QSCAT Still Images NSCAT Science Highlights QSCAT Science Highlights NSCAT Swath Data QSCAT Swath Data NSCAT Gridded Data QSCAT Swath Data NSCAT Calibration and Validation QSCAT Calibration and Validation