High resolution wind retrieval from SeaWinds

While originally designed for measuring vector winds over the ocean at a nominal resolution of 25 km, data from SeaWinds-on-QuikSCAT can be used to retrieve winds over the ocean at higher resolution with the aid of resolution enhancement reconstruction algorithms. This paper analyzes a technique for retrieving enhanced resolution winds at high resolution from SeaWinds data. Techniques for minimizing the required computation are described. As can be expected the wind estimates are noisier than standard resolution products. Some of the limitations of the approach and resulting products are considered. While validation of this approach to high resolution wind retrieval continues, the results thus far are very encouraging.