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The SeaWinds Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document
Entry ID: 01-seawinds-99
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Summary
Abstract: (Summary adapted from the SeaWinds ATBD pdf file and the Winds web site)

The purpose of the SeaWinds Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document
(ATBD) is to describe the theoretical bases for the major scientific
algorithms that will be used in processing the SeaWinds (SWS) data.
Satellite-borne radar scatterometers, such as "SeaWinds",
are the only remote sensing systems presently capable of providing
accurate, frequent, high-resolution measurements of ocean
near-surface wind speed and direction in both clear-sky and cloudy
conditions. However, scatterometer measurements are highly indirect,
and significant processing is required to estimate near-surface
wind velocity from the backscattered power measured directly by the
scatterometer.

Knowledge of wind velocity over the ocean is of critical importance
for understanding and predicting many oceanographic, meteorological,
and climate phenomena. Measurements of surface wind velocity can be
assimilated into regional and global numerical weather prediction
systems, thereby extending and improving our ability to predict future
weather patterns on many scales. The SeaWinds instrument on the
QuikSCAT satellite is a specialized microwave radar that measures
near-surface wind speed and direction under all weather and cloud
conditions over Earth's oceans.
Related URL
Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION
Description: This web site contains graphical and historical information regarding
the SeaWinds instument on board NASA's QuickScat ocean-viewing
satellite. There is also a link to NASA's Planetary Photojournal
which contains additional SeaWinds generated images.
Service Citation
Originators: M.H. Freilich, P.I.
Title: SeaWinds Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document
Provider: NASA
URL: http://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/eos_homepage/for_scientists/atbd/viewIn...
Service Keywords
DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION >CALIBRATION/VALIDATION   [Definition]
Science Keywords
OCEANS >OCEAN CIRCULATION >WIND-DRIVEN CIRCULATION   [Definition]
OCEANS >OCEAN WINDS >SURFACE WINDS   [Definition]
ISO Topic Category
OCEANS
Project
EOSDIS >Earth Observing System Data Information System   [Information]
Quality
This site is best suited for scientists and researchers.
Access Constraints
All ATBDs are provided in PDF format which can be viewed with Adobe
Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat is a freely downloadable document viewer.

SeaWinds QuikSCAT data are currently only available to members of the
QuikSCAT Science Team for cal/val purposes. Distribution to
the general public is expected to begin early in 2000 from the
Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center PO.DAAC at
http://podaac.jpl.nasa.gov.
Keywords
wind stress
wind velocity
Service Provider
Earth Science Data and Information System Project, Earth Observing System,Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA

Service Provider Personnel
Name: DR. MICHAEL D. KING
Phone: 301-614-5636
Fax: 301-614-5620
Email: michael.d.king at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center
Mailstop 610.0
 City: Greenbelt
Province or State: MD
Postal Code: 20771
Country: USA
Distribution Media
Distribution_Media: Electronic
Distribution_Size: 519 KB
Distribution_Format: pdf file
Personnel
TYLER B. STEVENS
Role: SERF AUTHOR
Phone: (301) 614-6898
Fax: 301-614-5268
Email: Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Global Change Master Directory
City: Greenbelt
Province or State: MD
Postal Code: 20771
Country: USA

MICHAEL H. FREILICH
Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone: 541-737-2748
Fax: 541-737-2064
Email: mhf at oce.orst.edu
Contact Address:
College of Oceanic & Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
Oceanographic Admin. Bldg. 104
City: Corvallis
Province or State: OR
Country: United States
Publications/References
Numerous references are available starting on page 54 of the SeaWinds
ATBD pdf file.
Creation and Review Dates
SERF Creation Date: 1999-11-04
SERF Last Revision Date: 2003-05-02
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