Evaluation of the Applicability of AEOLUS Satellite Wind Products in Antarctica

Abstract Launched by the European Space Agency in August 2018, the Aeolus satellite utilizes the Atmospheric Laser Doppler Instrument (ALADIN) to achieve the first global direct measurements of wind profiles in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. The observational data provide important support for global weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric dynamics research. This study conducts a systematic evaluation of the Aeolus Level‐2B (L2B) wind product over Antarctica by comparing it with radiosonde measurements from polar stations and the fifth‐generation ECMWF reanalysis data set (ERA5) during the period from 2019 to 2022. Results show that under Rayleigh‐clear conditions, Aeolus winds exhibit a correlation of 0.95 with radiosondes, with a bias of −0.03 m/s, a standard deviation (STD) of 4.29 m/s, and a scaled median absolute deviation (SMAD) of 4.78 m/s. Under Mie‐cloudy conditions, the correlation is also 0.95, with a bias of +0.45 m/s, STD of 3.70 m/s, and SMAD of 3.98 m/s. Seasonal analysis indicates larger errors during spring and autumn, while the best agreement is found in summer. Overall, Aeolus wind observations over Antarctica show good consistency with radiosondes, meet ESA mission performance requirements, and provide reliable support for polar weather prediction and climate research.