Satellite Measurements of Sea Surface Temperature Through Clouds
Frank J. Wentz,
1
Chelle Gentemann,
1
Deborah Smith,
1
Dudley Chelton
2
Measurements of sea surface temperature (SST) can
be made by satellite microwave radiometry in all weather conditions
except rain. Microwaves penetrate clouds with little attenuation,
giving an uninterrupted view of the ocean surface. This is a distinct advantage over infrared measurements of SST, which are obstructed by
clouds. Comparisons with ocean buoys show a root mean square difference
of about 0.6°C, which is partly due to the satellite-buoy spatial-temporal sampling mismatch and the difference between the ocean
skin temperature and bulk temperature. Microwave SST retrievals provide
insights in a number of areas, including tropical instability waves,
marine boundary layer dynamics, and the prediction of hurricane
intensity.
1 Remote Sensing Systems, 438 First Street, Suite 200, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, USA.
2 College of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
