Ocean Surface Wind Speed Dependence and Retrieval From Off-Nadir CFOSAT SWIM Data

In this study, we analyzed the ocean surface wind speed dependence of off-nadir data from the Surface Waves Investigation and Monitoring (SWIM) aboard the Chinese-French Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT). When the data were analyzed, the SWIM normalized radar cross section (NRCS) at most incidence angles decreased along the NCEP Global Forecast System wind speed. This trend is consistent with that in a Ku-band geophysical model function at low incidence angles (KuLMOD2S), although there was a systematic bias between the two. The consistency indicates that the SWIM data quality was normal in terms of wind speed dependence. The bias was recalibrated using a numerical weather prediction-based ocean calibration method and the wind speeds were retrieved from the recalibrated NRCS data using the KuLMOD2S model. Finally, the retrievals at off-nadir as well as the wind products at nadir were validated using collocated CFOSAT scatterometer (CSCAT) wind measurements. When the results were validated, the retrievals at 0.5 degrees were consistent with the averaged wind products at nadir and both had a root mean square difference (RMSD) around 1.4 m/s compared to the CSCAT winds. Moreover, the winds retrieved from the SWIM data at most incidence angles were in good agreement with the CSCAT winds,and the RMSD values were within 2.0 m/s for incidence angles less than 7.5 degrees, although the retrieval accuracy was poor at larger incidence angles. These results demonstrate that the SWIM data at incidence angles below 7.5 degrees have an ability to retrieve the wind speed.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the relationship between wind speed and radar cross section with SWIM data from CFOSAT, calibrated and retrieved using a numerical weather prediction method. The results showed accurate wind retrievals at incidence angles below 7.5 degrees, consistent with CSCAT measurements.