The dielectric constant model function and implications for remote sensing of salinity

Existing model functions for the dielectric constant of sea water produce viable retrievals of ocean salinity but with differences that are important for eventual optimization of the science product. Issues exist in cold water and the dependence on sea surface temperature. Additional accuracy is needed to resolve the behavior in cold water and a residual bias correlated with sea surface temperature. The model function developed from direct measurements of the dielectric constant highlights the issues and points to regimes where new measurements and accuracy are needed.