Whitecap Observations by Microwave Radiometers: With Discussion on Surface Roughness and Foam Contributions

Abstract

Ocean surface whitecaps manifest surface wave breaking. Most of the whitecap data reported in the literature are based on optical observations through photographic or video recording. The air in whitecaps modifies the dielectric properties of microwave emissions and scattering. Therefore, whitecap information is intrinsic to microwave signals. This paper discusses a method to retrieve the ocean surface whitecap coverage from microwave radiometer signals.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jul 15, 2020
Source ID
10.3390/rs12142277

Entities

People

  • Paul Hwang

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research

Tags

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Microwave Engineering.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.