RapidScat backscatter measurement validation

Scatterometers are microwave radars deployed to estimate global wind speeds and directions over the sea surface by measuring normalized radar cross-section (σo) of the sea surface. Measured σo is determined by the sea surface roughness that is modulated mostly by wind, thus establishing a relationship between σo and wind conditions. Wind vectors are retrieved by inverting an empirical geophysical model function that relates measured σo to a wind...