Impact of channel selection on SST retrievals from passive microwave observations

Two retrieval algorithms developed as a part of the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) project are used to assess effects withholding observations from selected frequency channels on retrieved subskin Sea Surface Temperature (SST) AQUA's Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer—Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and evaluate Copernicus Imaging Radiometer (CIMR) like channel configuration. The first algorithm is statistical regression-based algorithm, while second physically based optimal estimation (OE) algorithm. A database with matching satellite drifting buoy test performance each configuration using both identify most selection for accurate SST retrievals. evaluation against in situ allows identification strengths weaknesses two algorithms, demonstrates importance existing theoretical uncertainty studies. Overall, increases expected when more included retrieval. In particular, allow better range different observing conditions (e.g. cold waters). agree that three-channel configuration, 6, 10, 18 GHz (V H polarization) than 23 polarization). This demonstrated geographical regions throughout all seasons. Of combinations tested here, it evident 36 has least impact performance. this analysis shows CIMR performs very well compared an AMSR-E constellation algorithms.