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Science Meetings

Validation of Aquarius Sea Surface Salinity Data with In Situ Measurements from the SPURS Field Experiment
Chao, Y. and Zhang, C. (14-Nov-13)

In situ measurements collected from the SPURS (Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study) field experiment during September 2012 - October 2013 are used to validate the Aquarius retrieved sea surface salinity (SSS). The mooring data show no diurnal cycle for SSS, although a clear diurnal cycle is found for sea surface temperature. Near the mooring location, we have used the drifter and wave glider data to systematically validate the Aquarius SSS data. Using the four independent data types, we can [SELECT] any three data types to perform triple-point analysis to derive the weekly Aquarius error in the range of 0.13 to 0.14 psu, which is already smaller the allocated monthly error of 0.16 psu. Results describing the vertical stratification in the upper ten (10) meters and horizontal variability within the Aquarius footprint will also be presented.