Validation and Evaluation of QuikSCAT Ultra-High Resolution Wind Retrieval in the Gulf of Maine

Researchers at Brigham Young University have created an experimental 2.5 km ultra-high resolution (UHR) wind product from the QuikSCAT scatterometer. This product adds to the standard 25 km and new 12.5 km resolution data provided by that satellite, and offers the potential for new access to coastal surface wind dynamics at the sub-mesoscale level. With its nineteen meteorological buoys, the Gulf of Maine provides an excellent test site for evaluating the UHR wind retrievals. Comparison with these buoys, mesoscale meteorological model winds, and standard QuikSCAT products throughout the month of October 2006 allows detailed investigation of UHR wind speed and direction. Even with a land contamination mask, the UHR product provides extended coverage near the coast. An additional ambiguity reselection routine improves wind direction agreement between the UHR winds and the other products. With this refinement, the ultra-high resolution winds show great promise in the coastal region.