Remedy 2: The use of traceably calibrated radiometers in experimental campaigns to validate ocean emissivity models in the region 1 – 200 GHz

Primary gap remedy type: 
Deployment
Proposed remedy description: 

Typically, validation of ocean emissivity models has been carried out using airborne campaigns. However, to date these campaigns have not used traceably calibrated radiometers, since there have been no primary reference standards available. However, primary reference standards are beginning to be developed and there are now some capabilities in China, Russia, and the USA. We propose using these traceably calibrated radiometers for field campaigns as well as airborne campaigns. It would be useful to exploid this type of radiometers in laboratory experiments using wave tanks and field campaigns with radiometers mounted on oil rigs. A combination of different techniques should lead to more robust estimates of the uncertainties in the emissivity models. Note that the determination of emissivity will be reliant on sufficiently accurate co-located estimates (from models) or in-situ measurements, of ocean surface skin temperature, salinity, and ocean surface wind speed. 

Relevance: 

A combination of different techniques should lead to more robust estimates of the uncertainties in the emissivity models. 

Measurable outcome of success: 

Documented, quantitative, evaluation of ocean surface emissivity models with respect to measurements of ocean surface emissivity obtained during experimental campaigns with traceably calibrated radiometers, for a globally representative range of ocean surface wind speeds, temperatures, and salinity. 

Expected viability for the outcome of success: 
  • Medium
Scale of work: 
  • Consortium
Time bound to remedy: 
  • Less than 5 years
Indicative cost estimate (investment): 
  • Medium cost (< 5 million)
Indicative cost estimate (exploitation): 
  • No
Potential actors: 
  • National funding agencies
  • National Meteorological Services
  • ESA, EUMETSAT or other space agency
  • Academia, individual research institutes