TITLE:
An Improved Method of Retrieving Sea Surface Wind Speed Based on a Four-Layer Medium Model at High Sea States
AUTHORS:
Jiasheng Tian, Qiaoyun Liu, Wan Pan, Jian Shi
KEYWORDS:
Satellite Altimeter; Wind Speed Retrieving Algorithm; High Sea States; Stratified Media; Whitecap Coverage Rate
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
23,
2014
ABSTRACT: Considering about the effect of whitecaps and foams on pulse-limited Radar
Altimeters, an improved algorithm of retrieving sea surface wind speed is proposed in this
paper. Firstly, a four-layer dielectric model is established in order to simulate an air-sea interface. Secondly, the
microwave reflectivity of a sea surface covered by spray droplets and foams at
13.5 GHz is computed based on the
established model. These computed results show that the effect of spray
droplets and foams in high sea state conditions shall not be negligible on retrieving sea surface wind
speed. Finally, compared with the analytical algorithms proposed by Zhao and
some calculated results based on a three-layer dielectric model, an improved
algorithm of retrieving sea surface wind speed is presented. At a high wind speed, the improved algorithm is in a better accord with some empirical algorithms such as Brown, Young
ones and et al., and also in a good agreement with ZT and other algorithms at low wind
speed. This new improved algorithm will be suitable not
only for low wind speed retrieval, but also for high wind speed retrieval.
Better accuracy and effectiveness of wind speed retrieval can also be obtained.