This dataset contains ocean surface wind vectors (equivalent neutral and true 10m) and wind stress vectors derived from satellite-based scatterometer observations aboard QuikScat, representing the first science quality release of these data (post-provisional after v1.0) funded under the MEaAUREs program. This product from QuikScat has been intercalibrated with similar scatterometer measurements from instruments on the MetOp-A, MetOp-B, and ScatSat-1 satellites (all of which can be found on the MEaSUREs OSVW Project Page), and if used together create an unbroken record of winds from 1999 to 2022. The wind vector and stress retrievals are provided on a non-uniform grid within the swath (Level 2 (L2) products) at 12.5 km pixel resolution. Each L2 file corresponds to a specific orbital revolution number, which begins at the southernmost point of the ascending orbit. The thumbnail shows data for two orbits - using all orbits for a single day will provide global coverage.

The dataset represents the first science quality release funded under the MEaSUREs (Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments) program. Version 1.1 provides a set of updates and improvements from version 1.0, including: 1) increased data coverage, 2) improved quality control, and 3) new global metadata attributes featuring revolution number, equator crossing longitude, and equator crossing time (UTC). The primary purpose of this release is for science evaluation by the NASA International Ocean Vector Winds Science Team (IOVWST).