Observing Ocean Surface Wind-stress With Spacebased Scatterometers

Seven microwave scatterometers have been launched since the short life span of Seasat in 1978; they have provided ocean surface wind-stress vectors, night and days, under clear and cloudy conditions. The evolution of their capability will be summarized. The unique capability of measuring stress, as distinguished from winds, will be clarified, and major impact on scientific research and operational application will be highlighted. Potential increase in spatial resolution, reduction in directional ambiguities, improvement in strong wind retieval, and reduction rain attenuation will be discussed. Future international constellation in meeting the operational weather application requirement of six-hourly revisit time will be described.