L-band radiometry and reflection of the galaxy by a rough ocean surface

Abstract

The celestial sky brightness temperature reflected by the ocean surface toward an L-band radiometer induces a signal that needs to be known in order to retrieve sea surface salinity. To provide an accurate correction, the effects of the surface roughness and the antenna gain pattern need to be included. We assess the impact of these effects on the reflected sky signal using the Aquarius radiometer as an example.