Arctic NWPSatellite Observations
By far, the largest amount of data over the Arctic comes from the polar-orbiting satellite system. These satellites provide approximately 14 nearly-polar orbits each day, offering excellent spatial and temporal coverage. Operated by the U.S. and Europe, the system currently includes six spacecraft platforms containing both radiometers and microwave sounders. The radiometers provide estimates of cloud cover and sea surface temperature. Microwave sounders provide estimates of tropospheric and stratospheric temperature and water vapor. Together these instruments provide a wealth of data, but have limited capabilities for accurate low-level observations, particularly in the presence of clouds.