A Nonlinear Optimization Algorithm for WindSat Wind Vector Retrievals

Abstract

WindSat is a space-based polarimetric microwave radiometer designed to demonstrate the capability to measure the ocean surface wind vector using a radiometer. We describe a nonlinear iterative algorithm for simultaneous retrieval of sea surface temperature, columnar water vapor, columnar cloud liquid water, and the ocean surface wind vector from WindSat measurements. The algorithm uses a physically based forward model function for the WindSat brightness temperatures. Empirical corrections to the physically based model are discussed. We present evaluations of initial retrieval performance using a six-month dataset of WindSat measurements and collocated data from other satellites and a numerical weather model. We focus primarily on the application to wind vector retrievals.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA462113

Entities

People

  • Craig K. Smith
  • Michael H. Bettenhausen
  • Nai-yu Wang
  • Peter W. Gaiser
  • Richard M. Bevilacqua
  • Stephen Cox

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Algorithms
  • Earth Sciences
  • Frequency
  • Grids
  • Measurement
  • Optimal Estimators
  • Optimization
  • Radiation
  • Radiative Transfer
  • Remote Sensing
  • Scale Models
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Square Roots
  • Surface Temperature
  • Water Vapor
  • Wind Direction

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)

Technology Areas

  • Space