The speed and direction of winds over the Earth's oceans
| This image is shows the speed and direction of winds above the surface of the ocean. The colors signify the wind speed, and the arrows show the wind direction. The information used to make this image was gathered by a satellite called QuikSCAT, which uses radar to measure the ocean waves. This type of instrument is called a scatterometer. By knowing the size of the waves and the direction they are traveling, scientists can determine the wind speed and direction. The regions with no arrows over the oceans were not observed by the satellite during that day. |
Credit: QuikSCAT instrument, courtesy NASA/JPL PODAAC. Image copyright Rice University.
For more info: http://podaac.jpl.nasa.gov/quikscat/index.html