Analysis of wind satellite measurements during the SEMAPHORE experiment

During the SEMAPHORE experiment Intensive Observation Period (October and November 1993) several sets of wind measurements were performed in the Azores-Madeira region (31/spl deg/30'N, 36/spl deg/00'N, 20/spl deg/30'W, 26/spl deg/00'W). Different instruments were used on board aircraft, ships and buoys. Particular attention was paid to measurements across the oceanic thermal front associated with the Azores current. During this period the region was regularly overflown by the ERS-1 and TOPEX-Poseidon satellite. This paper presents an analysis of the satellite wind measurement during this period with an emphasis on the altimeter wind speed model.< >