Using Synthetic Cyclone Models for High Wind GNSS-R Calibration, Validation, and Algorithm Development: A CYGNSS Case Study

This work reports a case study of the use of synthetic cyclone models for the development, assessment and validation of global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) wind speed remote sensing algorithms using a cyclone global navigation satellite system (CYGNSS) data record extending from 1 August 2018 to 31 December 2022. Synthetic cyclone models are shown to be useful in assessing the high wind speed sensitivity of CYGNSS’s v1.0, v2.1, v3.0, v3.1, and future v3.2 normalized bistatic radar cross Section (NBRCS) products due to the extended matchup dataset of high wind speed information that is obtained. The models are also shown useful in investigating the impacts of specific error corrections terms and in the development of level-2 geophysical model functions (GMFs) for the retrieval of ocean surface winds.