Validation Test Report for the Variational Assimilation of Satellite Sea Surface Temperature Radiances
Abstract
Validation of an observation operator developed for direct assimilation of satellite sea surface temperature (SST) radiances using radiative transfer modeling is provided. The radiance assimilation operator has been integrated into the Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation ocean data quality control and three dimensional variational analysis (3DVAR) systems. The operator uses an incremental approach. It takes as input prior estimates of SST from an ocean forecast model and profiles of atmospheric state variables (specific humidity, air temperature) known to affect satellite SST radiances. Observed radiances are simulated using a fast radiative transfer model. Differences between observed and simulated radiances are used to force a SST inverse model. The inverse model outputs the change in SST that takes into account the variable temperature and water vapor content of the atmosphere at the time and location of the satellite radiance measurement. These SST corrections are then assimilated with other ocean observations in the 3DVAR.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 04, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA608635
Entities
People
- James A. Cummings
- James E. Peak
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory