Applications of a Global Database of Altimeter and Radiometer Wave Heights and Wind Speeds

Ian Young
University of Melbourne, Australia
  3 August, 3 pm, in 2890

Abstract:

Over recent years, we have developed a global database of altimeter wind speed and wave height and radiometer wind speed. The database spans 30 years and contains data from more than 20 individual missions. Each of the instruments has been calibrated in a consistent manner, validated against independent buoys and cross-validated between the satellite platforms. The database has many applications including: global climatology, examination of long term trends and investigation of extreme values. This presentation will describe the database, error metrics, and its application to investigate long term trends in oceanic wind speed and wave height. In addition, extreme value global estimates of wind speed and wave height will be presented.