SST measurements from ATSR on ESA's ERS-1 satellite-early results

The Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR), on the European Space Agency's remote-sensing satellite No 1 (ERS-1), produces thermal IR image data of exceptionally high standard, showing remarkable optical clarity and radiometric discrimination with very low noise in all its operating channels. ATSR's main scientific objective is to measure global sea surface temperature (SST) data with the levels of accuracy required for climate research, typically /spl plusmn/ 0.3/spl deg/C. This paper describes, with examples, the main characteristics of ATSR data-products, including the results of some recent validation projects. It also outlines some of the early scientific results for ATSR.<
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