High-resolution passive microwave-imaging concept for ocean studies

A passive microwave-imaging technique is developed for advanced ocean remote sensing. The study contains the following stages: high-resolution multiband polarimetric radiometer scanning measurements, digital image processing, evaluation of 2D radiometric features, correlation and spectral analyses, and complimentary image modeling. Such a combined approach allows us to explore radio-brightness characteristics of the ocean images providing selections and specifications of radiometric signatures of interest. Image features are revealed in the form of brightness texture mosaics and distinct objects (spots). Under certain conditions, the signatures may reflect environmental dynamics of the ocean surface including roughness change, variations of wind, wave breaking, and foam/whitecap activities. We suppose that high-resolution passive microwave imagery has potential capabilities for diagnostics of ocean variables and localized hydrodynamic phenomena. In the paper, related results are presented and discussed.