MAXSS is a data-centric research initiative focused on studying extreme ocean-atmosphere events, particularly tropical cyclones, using high-resolution satellite observations and numerical simulations. The project has developed a comprehensive database (atlas) and analytical workbench that combines multi-modal satellite data—especially SAR radar measurements capable of retrieving accurate wind vector fields up to 80 m/s at 1 km resolution—with in-situ observations and numerical weather prediction models.
Key objectives include:
- Quantifying the impact of intense wind and wave events on ocean circulation
- Analyzing the deep and persistent signatures of extreme events on ocean recovery processes
- Developing improved wind and wave re-analysis methods for tropical cyclones
- Incorporating deep learning methods for data-driven forecasting capabilities
The project emphasizes SAR measurements as essential reference data for understanding extreme events, as they provide the high-resolution observations needed to capture inner-core processes that medium-resolution instruments cannot efficiently measure.
MAXSS is an ESA scientific project (CCN#1 4000132954/20/I-NB) running effectively from May 2025 to May 2027.
Project link: https://www.maxss.org/