Abstract: We performed statistical analysis of spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the sea surface wind field in the Southern Ocean between 55°S and 90°S, using ASCAT scatterometer wind field data for 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. The maximum monthly mean wind speed of 12 m·s⁻¹ occurred in July. The minimum monthly mean wind speed of 8 m·s⁻¹ occurred in December. The monthly mean wind speed was higher in winter than in summer. The regional average wind speed was between 9 and 12 m·s⁻¹, and occurred on more than 280 days in 2012. The number of days with wind speed >10 m·s⁻¹ was higher in winter than in summer. During 2012, the wind speed in winter (April to June) and spring (July to September) was higher than in summer (October to December) and autumn (January to March). The wind speed in the area between 0°W and 60°W was lower than in other parts of the Southern Ocean.

Key words: ASCAT, wind fields, Southern Ocean