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Ocean Surface Winds TeamOSWT shield

The ocean comprises over 70% of Earth's surface, which makes satellite remote sensing a logical and significant component of an overall effort to meet societal needs for weather and water information; support commerce with information for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation; and provide information for better coastal preparedness. Ocean surface vector winds (OSVW) are crucial pieces of information needed to understand and predict the short-term and longer-term processes that drive our planet's environment. As the largest source of momentum for the ocean surface, winds affect the full range of ocean movement, from individual surface waves to complete current systems. Winds along the ocean surface regulate interaction between the atmosphere and the ocean via modulation of air-sea exchanges of heat, moisture, gases, and particulates. With the ocean covering almost three quarters of Earth's surface, this interaction has significant influence on global and regional climate.

The Ocean Surface Winds Team (OSWT) of the Center for Satellite Application and Research (STAR), NESDIS/ NOAA applies remotely-sensed data received from operational and research satellites. OSWST mission objectives include:

  • Product development and improvement
  • Calibration and validation
  • OSVW field experiment program
    • Product development
    • Calibration and validation
    • Future mission risk reduction
  • User support (education, training and feedback)
  • Support future mission planning and development

Data, algorithms, and images presented on STAR websites are intended for experimental use only and are not supported on an operational basis. Disclaimer details

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Site owner: STARContact webmaster • Revised: 23 June 2023 9:06 PM