Measuring the sea breeze from QuikSCAT Scatterometry

Abstract

Differences between morning and evening winds from QuikSCAT scatterometer measurements are analyzed to diagnose the diurnal variability of the wind over the ocean. A statistically significant signal, associated with the sea breeze, is present along most of the world's coastlines. Significant diurnal variability is also present mid-ocean in the easterly trade wind belts.