Detection of diurnal cycle of ocean surface wind from space-based observations

We derive the diurnal cycle of ocean surface vector wind from three contemporary space-based wind sensors: OSCAT, WindSAT, and ASCAT, assuming the diurnal signal is embedded in the deviation from the daily mean as measured by ascending and descending passes of each sensor. A Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to estimate uncertainties. Strong diurnal signals are found in coastal regions and tropical oceans. Their geographical and seasonal variations are described.