ERS-2 scatterometer data provides unique insights

A map of the wind field at the heart of Typhoon Matsa, using data acquired at 02:09:38 UTC on 17 August 2005 by the C-band scatterometer on board ESA's ERS-2 spacecraft. The map indicates wind direction and also wind velocity - the more lines on each bar, the highest the velocity. The data provides insight into the pressure system powering the hurricane. Click on the high resolution version to see technical details.