Breaking Waves and Microwave Polarimetric Emissivities: Final Report
Abstract
Several field experiments designed to provide a detailed look at the physical processes affecting the microwave radiometric signal from breaking waves and foam patches were conducted. Significant results included: 1) Showed that the microwave emissivity of a foam covered water surface does not behave as a blackbody in the microwave region. 2) Provided further evidence that fraction area whitecap coverage can be estimated from microwave brightness temperature. 3) Provided new data on the relationship between sea surface microwave emissivity and wind stress, atmospheric stability, and sea surface wave properties. 4) Showed that the fractional area foam coverage of a breaking wave, and the change in overall scene microwave brightness temperature it induces, depends on the azimuthal look angle (as measured with respect to the direction of wave propagation).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA433619
Entities
People
- William E. Asher
Organizations
- University of Washington