Scatterometer Monitoring

Scatterometer monitoring

The main aim of the NWP SAF scatterometer monitoring site is to highlight differences between scatterometer and NWP model estimates of ocean surface wind vectors. This is primarily done by comparing observed wind vectors (O) with model background wind values (B) from a recent short-range forecast.

The monitoring is divided in to two parts; near real time (NRT) and monthly. Dedicated NRT monitoring pages are currently available for ASCAT-B, ASCAT-C, HY-2B, HY-2C and HY-2D. The purpose of the monthly monitoring archive is to highlight where there are persistent differences between the observations and the model background and also to show seasonal trends. Past instruments such as ScatSat-1, ASCAT-A, RapidScat, OSCAT, and ERS-2 are also kept in the archive.

This site also hosts information on how scatterometer winds are assimilated at different NWP centres. These details can be found by following the links on the NWP page.

Use in NWP

The NWP models used in the monitoring are the Met Office global deterministic model and the UKV regional model. For more information on these models see the Scatterometer Use in NWP page.

Further information

Please use the NWP SAF Feedback Form if you have comments or suggestions about this product, or if you would like your NWP centre to contribute to future versions.