Cross-validation of Jason-1 and QuikSCAT wind speeds

Observing near-surface ocean winds is important to the understanding of global weather patterns. Wind speed information can be retrieved from /spl sigma//spl deg/ measurements made by Jason-1 and SeaWinds on QuikSCAT. Though co-located measurements from the two satellites generally agree, significant differences between the co-located measurements are occasionally observed, particularly associated with rain events. Co-located data from TRMM PR 2A25 and ECMWF is used to study the effects of rain on Jason-1. Key observations are discussed.