Interpolating satellite derived wind field data using ordinary kriging, with application to the nadir gap

Satellite wind sensors are unable to obtain measurements directly below the satellite, creating a “nadir gap” centred on the sub-satellite track. This is true of active sensors such as scatterometers, as well as for microwave radiometers, newly used for this purpose. In addition, sensor coverage in equatorial regions is incomplete. Using processed ERS-1 wind field data, it is shown in the paper that ordinary kriging is an appropriate technique to interpolate this “nadir gap” . Furthermore, wind field data can also be extrapolated away from the swath using this method, thereby effectively yielding better ocean coverage