33 years of globally calibrated wave height and wind speed data based on altimeter observations

Agustinus Ribal,Ian R Young

doi:10.1038/s41597-019-0083-9

Abstract

This dataset consists of 33 years (1985 to 2018), of global significant wave height and wind speed obtained from 13 altimeters, namely: GEOSAT, ERS-1, TOPEX, ERS-2, GFO, JASON-1, ENVISAT, JASON-2, CRYOSAT-2, HY-2A, SARAL, JASON-3 and SENTINEL-3A. The altimeter data have been calibrated and validated against National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) buoy data. Differences between altimeter and buoy data as a function of time are investigated for long-term stability. A cross validation between altimeters is also carried out in order to check the stability and consistency of the calibrations developed. Quantile-quantile comparisons between altimeter and buoy data as well as between altimeters are undertaken to test consistency of probability distributions and extreme value performance. The data were binned into 1° by 1° bins globally, to provide convenient access for users to download only the regions of interest. All data are quality controlled. This globally calibrated and cross-validated dataset provides a single point of storage for all altimeter missions in a consistent format.

Highlights

Background & SummarySatellite Radar altimeters have provided global coverage of wind speed and significant wave height for more than three decades
This paper describes the calibration, validation, quality control and archiving formats of this comprehensive database
Wind speed and significant wave height have been obtained from National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) moored buoy data more than 50 km offshore to avoid land contamination[17]

Summary

Introduction

Background & SummarySatellite Radar altimeters have provided global coverage of wind speed and significant wave height (wave height) for more than three decades. This paper outlines an archive containing wind speed and wave height data, together with related quantities for all 13 altimeter missions. The data are consistently calibrated against buoys, cross-validated between satellites and quality controlled.

Results

Conclusion