The QuikSCAT satellite/instrument launched on 19 June 1999 to retrieve ocean surface wind vectors calibrated to 10 meters above the ocean surface and provides 90% global coverage over the ice-free oceans, seas and large lakes when in full operating mode. Shown in this animation is wind speed from the QuikSCAT Level 2B Version 4.1 dataset (DOI: https://doi.org/10.5067/QSX12-L2B41) from 27 October 1999 to 22 November 2009. To learn more about QuikSCAT and associated datasets, feel free to visit the PO.DAAC QuikSCAT Mission page: https://podaac.jpl.nasa.gov/QuikSCAT.