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Data Validation

The Center for Satellite Applications and Research, within NESDIS, generates a matchup database for validation of the GOES-SST retrieval algorithms. This is important for the maintenance and improvement of the GOES-SST products.

The global drifting buoys and the TOGA TAO moored buoy array are matched with GOES-SST retrievals within one hour and 5 km. The buoys are quality controlled using the Reynolds’s Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) Analysis and NCEP Atmospheric Analysis Fields before being matched with the GOES-SST retrievals. Matchup files are stored in the NOAA Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS) for user access.

An automated validation system has been in place since the inception of the operational GOES-SST retrievals. This system computes the GOES-SST accuracy statistics (daily, weekly, and monthly) from the satellite-buoy matches. The program uses the match up file as an input to calculate the number of matches, maximum bias, mean bias, and standard deviation. The statistical results are continually updated with the latest matches.

Satellite retrievals from GOES-11 were collected for a few months and matched with buoys to determine whether the bias and the standard deviation are within the range of AVHRR-like operational quality before transitioning into operations.
The validation results for GOES 11 and GOES 12 are summarized below:


SATELLITE MEAN (° C)
(Satellite-Buoy)		 STANDARD
DEVIATION (° C)
GOES-11 (DAY)
Conventional
Bayesian - 95% CLR
Bayesian - 99% CLR
 0.73
 0.00
 0.00
1.33
1.17
1.13
GOES-11 (NIGHT)
Conventional
Bayesian - 95% CLR
Bayesian - 99% CLR
 0.16
-0.33
-0.31
0.92
0.66
0.59
GOES-12 (DAY)
Conventional
Bayesian - 95% CLR
Bayesian - 99% CLR
-0.35
-0.77
-0.78
1.04
0.84
0.83
GOES-12 (NIGHT)
Conventional
Bayesian - 95% CLR
Bayesian - 99% CLR
-0.22
-0.41
-0.39
0.93
0.56
0.51

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