A Multi-Pixel Split-Window Approach to Sea Surface Temperature Retrieval from Thermal Imagers with Relatively High Radiometric Noise: Preliminary Studies

In the following decade(s), a set of satellite missions carrying thermal infrared (TIR) imagers with relatively high noise equivalent differential temperature (NEdT) are expected, e.g., resolution TIR flying on future Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment (TRISHNA), Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM) and NASA-JPL/ASI Biology Geology (SBG) or secondary payload board ESA Earth Explorer 10 Harmony. The instruments these expected to be characterized by an NEdT ⪆0.1 K. order reduce impact radiometric retrieved sea surface (SST), this study investigates possibility applying multi-pixel atmospheric correction based hypotheses that (i) spatial variability scales radiatively active variables are, average, larger than those SST (ii) effect atmosphere is accounted via split window (SW) difference. Based 32 Sentinel 3 SLSTR case studies selected in oceanic regions where features mainly driven meso sub-mesoscale turbulence (e.g., corresponding major western boundary currents), documents local SW difference term scale ≃3 × km2 comparable associated Similarly, power spectra shown have, small scales, behavior white spectra. On basis, we suggest average use it procedure noise. principle, methodology can applied proper dynamically defined each pixel. applicability our findings high-resolution discussed example application ECOSTRESS data reported.