THE RESPONSE OF THE SSM I TO THE MARINE-ENVIRONMENT .2. A PARAMETERIZATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE SEA-SURFACE SLOPE DISTRIBUTION ON EMISSION AND REFLECTION/

Based on a geometric optics model and the assumption of an isotropic G aussian surface slope distribution, the component of ocean surface mic rowave emissivity variation due to large-scale surface roughness is pa rameterized for the frequencies and approximate viewing angle of the S pecial Sensor Microwave/Imager. Independent geophysical variables in t he parameterization are the effective (microwave frequency dependent) slope variance and the sea surface temperature. Using the same physica l model, the change in the effective zenith angle of reflected sky rad iation arising from large-scale roughness is also parameterized. Indep endent geophysical variables in this parameterization are the effectiv e slope variance and the atmospheric optical depth at the frequency in question. Both of the above model-based parameterizations are intende d for use in conjunction with empirical parameterizations relating eff ective slope variance and foam coverage to near-surface wind speed. Th ese empirical parameterizations are the subject of a separate paper.