Evaluation of CFSv2, MERRA2, and ERA5 Sea Surface Wind Field Reanalysis Data in the Bohai and Yellow Seas

In this study, buoy measurements of sea surface wind fields (10 m above the sea surface) were collected at 12 stations in the Bohai and Yellow Seas over a period of 11 years (2011–2021). An evaluation was conducted of the 10 m wind performance of the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis version 2 (CFSv2), Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA2), and the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis products (ERA5) in reproducing wind fields over the Bohai and Yellow Seas. The mean BIAS, root mean square error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (R) were calculated and used as performance indicators. All three reanalysis products demonstrate commendable performance. The correlation coefficients for wind speed and wind direction exceed 0.83 and 0.90, respectively. Of the three products, the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis demonstrates the highest level of performance. The model demonstrated the lowest average BIAS and RMSE for wind speed, and the highest R for wind direction. The findings indicate that product performance is subject to variation in both season and wind speed.