On the derivation of zonal and meridional wind components from Aeolus horizontal line-of-sight wind

Abstract. Since its launch in 2018, the European Space Agency's Earth Explorer satellite Aeolus has provided global height resolved measurements of horizontal wind troposphere and lower stratosphere for first time. Novel datasets such as these provide an unprecedented opportunity research atmospheric dynamics new insights into upper (UTLS) region. measures component along line-of-sight, but analysis interpretation dynamics, zonal and/or meridional components are most useful. In this paper, we introduce compare three different methods to derive from measurements. We find that promising method involves combining during ascending descending orbits. Using method, estimates latitude range 79.7∘ S 84.5∘ N with errors less than 5 m s−1 (at 2σ level). Due orbit geometry Aeolus, estimation tropics at midlatitudes is more challenging quality reliable. However, it possible winds poleward 70∘ absolute typically below This further demonstrates value applications weather climate research, addition their important role numerical prediction.