Satellite microwave SST: accuracy, comparisons to AVHRR and Reynolds SST, and measurement of diurnal thermocline variability

A global understanding. of the spatial/temporal variability of the diurnal thermocline is necessary for accurate parameterization of skin-bulk differences. Satellite microwave radiometers offer vital observations pertinent to this research, as they are capable of global, daily, coincident retrievals of skin sea surface temperature (SST),. wind-stress, cloud cover, and rain rate. These variables can be compared with a bulk SST, such as the Reynolds optimum interpolated SST, to examine skin-bulk relationships.