Retrieval of the surface wind speed from satellite radio-altimeter data: A review of algorithms

• Published in: Radiophysics and quantum electronics 2006-04, Vol.49 (4), p.251-263
• Main Authors: Karaev, V.Yu, Kanevsky, M. B., Meshkov, E. M., Cotton, D., Gommenginger, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Climate; Cross sections; Data processing; Formations; Radio altimeters; Radios; Regional; Retrieval; Satellites; Sea level
• ISSN: 0033-8443; 1573-9120
• DOI: 10.1007/s11141-006-0058-5

We give a review of surface wind-speed retrieval algorithms using satellite radio-altimeter data and analyze the efficiency of these algorithms. The data processing by new radio altimeters (JASON and ENVISAT) showed that the two-parameter algorithm developed for the satellite "Topex A" effectively operates with the data of the new radio altimeters and exceeds in accuracy the conventional algorithm by 5-10%. We discuss two main reasons for the wind-speed retrieval errors: (i) ambiguous relationship between the wind speed and the backscattering cross section and (ii) regional features of the wave climate formation. Within the framework of a two-parameter algorithm, we propose a new approach for the wind-speed retrieval problem, in which two-mode structures (wind waves and a swell) are taken into account. The data processing confirmed that the new approach allows one to reduce the error related to regional features of the wave climate formation by another 5-7%.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]