QuikScat
QuikScat is an offshore wind dataset based on remote sensing from a satellite instrument.
Discontinued Dataset!
The rotating antenna on the QuikScat satellite malfunctioned by the end of November 2009. While the satellite was designed with an expected lifetime of 5 years, it actually was in operation in 10 years. Currently, there are no plans of a replacement satellite. A new dedicated offshore wind dataset is available though, through the Blended Coastal Winds.
Quikscat Data
The QuikScat wind data are derived from a remote sensing microwave scatterometer that is mounted on the QuikScat satellite; the satellite was launched in June 1999. The scatterometer is a special type of radar that is used to analyze the roughness of the sea. This fine scale roughness is highly correlated to near-surface winds and directions – and as such it is possible to infer the wind conditions based on the scatterometer data.
The QuikScat dataset at EMD currently holds 10 meter wind speed derived from the fine scale surface roughness of the sea surface. According to the documentation on the QuikScat data, the wind corresponds to an 8-10 minute averaged wind speed.. The temporal coverage is at maximum 2 times a day, but with a number of gaps with data missing due to problems, such as the instrument being turned off.
Spatial Coverage
The spatial coverage is near global for sea areas with a resolution of 0.25 degrees. The spatial coverage is shown in figure below.
Data Accuracy
The accuracy of this method is decreased during rain events or during sea-ice events. When receiving the data from WindPRO, then all data is enabled by default. If you do not want do use the wind data that occurs during rain events, then you will manually have to disable those data. The data files received from WindPRO holds an extra column named ‘rain_flag’; this column is easily applied for this purpose (but it is a manual operation!). An example of the QuikScat data is shown in the figure below.
QuikScat Dataset Overview Table
| Name | 10 m wind data |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | u10 = 8-10 minute averaged wind speeds |
| External URL | http://www.ssmi.com/qscat/ |
| Data valid at time | Data valid at the reference time |
| Level | 10 m above ground |
| Grid | 0.25 degree latitude – longitude grid |
| Coverage | Near global coverage for sea areas |
| Columns in data-file | wsp.10= Wind Speed at 10 m a.g.l dir.10 = Wind Direction at 10 m a.g.l |
External Links
Homepage for the QuikScat data: http://www.ssmi.com/qscat/.