L2 current products are used to derive maps of the mean radial components and its associated variabilities for strong and steady sea surface currents such as the Gulf Stream and Agulhas current. Analysis is done at a resolution of 0.125 degrees. Only grid cells with more than 10 acquisitions are considered.

Agulhas current

One year of data (2008) is considered to derive L3 current products from almost 600 L2 current products in the area of the Agulhas current. The mean radial component of the current, its retroflection as well as the return current can be studied. Their variabilities is also shown but rather complex to interpret as it is the variability of the radial component of the current.

Mean sea surface current

Mean radial surface speed in the Agulhas Current derived from 329 ascending Envisat ASAR WSM acquisitions.

Mean radial surface speed in the Agulhas Current derived from 252 descending Envisat ASAR WSM acquisitions.

Gulf Stream

Same exercise than with the Agulhas current is performed for the Gulf Stream.

Mean sea surface current (Cape Hatteras)

Mean radial surface speed in the Gulf Stream Current derived from ascending Envisat ASAR WSM acquisitions.

Mean radial surface speed in the Gulf Stream Current derived from descending Envisat ASAR WSM acquisitions.

Mean sea surface current (Florida strait)

Mean radial surface speed in the Gulf Stream Current derived from ascending Envisat ASAR WSM acquisitions.

Mean radial surface speed in the Gulf Stream Current derived from descending Envisat ASAR WSM acquisitions.