UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
How Scatterometers work
•Radar pulse is scattered in many directions by sea surface.
–Wavelength and view angle are optimized for capillary waves.
–Backscatter is interpreted by assuming capillary waves are present.
•QuickSCAT measures capillary wave backscatter.
–An algorithm turns this into near-surface wind speed.
–No independent rain sensor.
•Global error:
–Speed: 2 m/s or 10% RMS
–Dir.: 20% RMS (3-25 m/s.)
•Depends on wavelength
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•<< Far infrared Visible light >>>
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