OSCAR third degree resolution ocean surface currents, Version 2009

Ocean Surface Currents Analyses Real-time (OSCAR) is a project to calculate ocean surface velocities from satellite fields. It contains near-surface ocean current estimates, derived using quasi-linear and steady flow momentum equations. The horizontal velocity is directly estimated from sea surface height, surface vector wind and sea surface temperature, these data were collected from the various satellites and in situ instruments. The model formulation combines geostrophic, Ekman and Stommel shear dynamics, and a complementary term from the surface buoyancy gradient. Surface currents are provided on global 1/3 degree grid with a 5 day resolution dating from 1992 to present day. OSCAR is generated by Earth Space Research (ESR) http://www.esr.org/oscar_index.html.

Reference:

Bonjean, F., and G. S. E. Lagerloef, 2002. Diagnostic model and analysis of the surface currents in the tropical Pacific Ocean. J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 32, pg. 2938-2954.

Variables
Ocean Surface Zonal Currents, u (m/s)
Ocean Surface Meridional Currents, v (m/s)
Ocean Surface Zonal Currents Maximum Mask, um (m/s)
Ocean Surface Meridional Currents Maximum Mask, vm (m/s)

(Note: Maximum Mask velocity is the geostrophic component at all points
+ any concurrent Ekman and buoyancy components)
ZonalGlobal by 0.333 deg
Meridional 80S to 80N by 0.333 deg
VerticalSurface  
Temporal Oct 21, 1992 to present by 5 days
Static?no
Volume 1.3 GB/year
Serverpublic:
Sourcehttp://podaac.jpl.nasa.gov/dataset/OSCAR_L4_OC_third-deg 
Acquired November 9, 2011 (Updated Weekly)
APDRC contact
Supplementsoscarthirdguide.pdf