Remote Sensing of Surface Propagation Parameters: Application of Imagery Simulation Model Results

A mathematical model is described and documented which simulates the sensitivity of satellite incident visible and near infrared radiances (0.4-1.1 micron wavelength spectral interval) to variations in the meteorological variables (such as relative humidity and wind speed) characterizing the environment near the ocean surface. Potential applications include support of meteorological analysis of DMSP visible imagery and operational satellite-based retrieval of the aerosol contribution to optical range degradation. Attributes of the model include: (a) calculation of solar/satellite sub-point and scan line pixel location based on nominal DMSP orbital characteristics (b) choice of aerosol optical properties from among tropospheric, maritime, rural and urban models, (c) surface reflectivity based on statistics of wind-driven, rough ocean, and (d) approximate radiative transfer calculation of satellite incident radiances. The theoretical basis of each model subcomponent is fully discussed. A variety of supporting calculations are provided including radiance simulations in sunglint regions, DMSP imagery simulation, and comparison of simulated DMSP radiances to hardcopy imagery. The model is implemented in the form of a user-oriented, computationally efficient computer algorithm for a desk-top mini-computer. Documentation, listings, and sample test runs are provided.