Aquarius Satellite Sea Surface Salinity and Wind Data Version 5.0

Orbital swath data from the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite provides sea surface salinity, wind speed, and wind direction measurements. The dataset is produced by JPL using the Combined Active Passive algorithm, which simultaneously retrieves parameters from three radiometers and a scatterometer. Each file covers one 98-minute orbit, with a total cross-track swath of 370 km.

Use Cases

• Validating ocean circulation models using sea surface salinity (SSS) measurements.
• Studying the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity using ancillary CMC SST data.
• Analyzing wind patterns over the ocean using retrieved wind speed and direction data.
• Correcting surface roughness effects on salinity retrieval using scatterometer backscatter measurements.
• Mapping global salinity gradients and freshwater fluxes from orbital swath data.

Strengths

• Algorithm employs a simultaneous retrieval of salinity, wind speed, and direction via a CAP model, improving internal consistency.
• Data incorporates fourth-order harmonic Geophysical Model Functions, including SST and air-sea stability effects.
• Uses three radiometers at distinct incidence angles (29°, 38°, 46°) and a scatterometer for multi-sensor validation.

Limitations

• Conflicting license information: one source lists 'other-license-specified', others list unknown or none.
• Specific row counts, file sizes, and detailed column schemas are unknown across all sources.
• The dataset's last confirmed update was in 2015, though one platform lists a 2026 date which may be a metadata error.

Provenance

Source

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Principal Investigator-produced dataset for the NASA/CONAE Aquarius/SAC-D mission.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing using three L-band radiometers at 1.413 GHz and a scatterometer at 1.26 GHz.

Time Range

Coverage corresponds to the operational period of the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite, though specific start/end dates are not provided.

Freshness

2015-06-05 00:30:01

Geography

Global ocean coverage within the satellite's 370 km cross-track swath.