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Ocean Winds Data Access and Tools
NASA has ocean winds datasets that help researchers characterize the flow of air moving across the ocean. Access a range of data and data tools such as AppEEARS, Worldview, and Giovanni to make the most of ocean winds data.
Ocean Winds Datasets
| Dataset | Version Sort ascending | Platforms | Instruments | Temporal Extent | Spatial Extent | Spatial Resolution | Data Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image Annual Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image 28-Day Running Mean Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image Descending Mission Cumulative Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image Ascending 28-Day Running Mean Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image 7-Day Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image Descending Monthly Climatology Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Wind Speed Standard Mapped Image Ascending 7-Day Data V5.0 | 5.0 | Aquarius_SAC-D | AQUARIUS_SCATTEROMETER | 2011-08-25 to 2015-06-07 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
1 Decimal Degrees x 1 Decimal Degrees | HDF5 |
| QuikSCAT Level 2B Ocean Wind Vectors in 12.5km Slice Composites Version 4.1 | 4.1 | QUIKSCAT | SEAWINDS | 1999-10-27 to 2009-11-22 |
N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
12500 Meters x 12500 Meters | netCDF-4 |
| CYGNSS Level 3 MRG Science Data Record Version 3.2.2 | 3.2.2 | CYGNSS | DDMI | 2018-08-01 |
N: 40 S: -40 E: 180 W: -180 |
0.1 Decimal Degrees x 0.1 Decimal Degrees | netCDF-4 |
| CYGNSS Level 3 MRG Science Data Record Near Real Time Version 3.2.2 | 3.2.2 | CYGNSS | DDMI | 2025-05-11 to Present |
N: 40 S: -40 E: 180 W: -180 |
0.1 Decimal Degrees x 0.1 Decimal Degrees | netCDF-4 |
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Featured Ocean Winds Observation Method: S-MODE
The Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics Experiment (S-MODE) was a NASA campaign studying small-scale ocean eddies and fronts. S-MODE consisted of three deployments off the coast of San Francisco during the fall of 2021-2022 and spring of 2023. Airborne measurements were taken with different remote instruments including the Doppler Scatterometry (DopplerScatt), Multiscale Observing System of the Ocean Surface (MOSES), Modular Aerial Sensing System (MASS), and Portable Remote Imaging SpectroMeter (PRISM). In-situ measurements were obtained through research vessels, gliders, drifters, and other water-based platforms.
The S-MODE project combined airborne remote sensing and in-situ data to reveal upper-ocean dynamics and small-scale ocean features.
Join us to learn more about the Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics Experiment (S-MODE) and how to access and use its free and open data.
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