On the Response of Polarimetric GNSS-Reflectometry to Sea Surface Roughness

Reflectometry of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals from the ocean surface has provided a new source observations to study ocean-atmosphere interaction. We investigate sensitivity and performance GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) data retrieve sea roughness (SSR) as an indicator state. A set one-year in 2016 is acquired coastal GNSS-R experiment Onsala, Sweden. The exploits two sea-looking antennas with right- left-hand circular polarizations (RHCP LHCP). interference direct reflected captured by used receiver generate complex interferometric fringes. process estimate contributions reflections total power. power estimates are inverted SSR using state-of-the-art model. measurements RHCP LHCP links evaluated against match-up wind obtained nearest meteorological station. results report on successful retrieval overall correlations 0.76 for both links. However, effect more pronounced. influence surrounding coastlines direction dependence discussed. analysis reveals that winds blowing land have minimal impact due limited fetch. clear improvement correlation 0.82 observed combined polarimetric can also improve change