Analysis of Dual-Frequency Ocean Backscatter Measurements at Ku- and Ka-Bands Using Near-Nadir Incidence GPM Radar Data

Global colocalized ocean surface measurements using the Global Precipitation Measurement near-nadir dual-frequency Ku- and Ka-band microwave measurements are analyzed and compared. Focusing on the Ka and Ku cross-sections fall-off with incidence angles, the contemporaneous measurements enable to more precisely document differing ocean scattering characteristics for both microwave frequencies. Sensitivity with wind speed and significant wave height is further reported using global comparisons with numerical estimates. As demonstrated, the bifrequency capability can provide direct means to efficiently separate short-scale wave contributions, between mean squared slope and curvature characteristics, and to further gain valuable insights concerning near-nadir instruments onboard future ocean satellite missions including the China-France Oceanography Satellite and the Surface Water Ocean Topography Mission.

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