Detection of Radio-Frequency Interference for the Aquarius Radiometer

A radio-frequency interference (RFI) detection algorithm has been developed for the Aquarius microwave radiometer. The algorithm compares individual brightness temperature samples with a local mean obtained from neighboring samples. If the sample under test significantly deviates from the local mean, then it is assumed to be corrupted by RFI. The algorithm has several adjustable parameters to optimize RFI detection. The performance of the algorithm has been characterized as a function of these parameters using a new form of RFI ldquoground truthrdquo that is based on the kurtosis of the amplitude distribution of the predetected voltages of a radiometer. Ground-based radiometric data obtained from the JPL-PALS campaign were used to assess the performance of the algorithm. False-alarm rates and the dependence of false alarms on worst case naturally occurring brightness temperature variations on orbit are determined as functions of the adjustable parameters of the algorithm.