Remedy 1: Intercomparison of existing surface emissivity models

Undertake an in-depth intercomparison of available microwave ocean surface emissivity model outputs, for a carefully defined set of inputs (ocean state, atmospheric state). An intercomparison of emissivity models, in itself, will not achieve a validation of emissivity models, but the differences identified and quantified can shed light on the sources of bias in any given emissivity model.  Such an intercomparison exercise is, therefore, a useful step towards a full validation of emissivity models. In many cases, however, such an intercomparison yields valuable insights into the mechanisms, processes, and parameterisations that give rise to biases. This approach thus constitutes a useful first step in the validation of (in this case) ocean surface emissivity estimates.  The measurable output of success therefore, for this activity, will be a documented quantitative comparison of FASTEM (various versions) with another, independent, emissivity model, for a realistic sample of global ocean surface conditions. The probability of a successful outcome is high if the exercise can be coordinated through the appropriate international working groups (e.g. International TOVS Working Group, International Precipitation Working Group, GSICS, X-Cal), and is supported by national and/or international agencies.