OCEAN SURFACE WIND-SPEED AND DIRECTION RETRIEVALS FROM THE SSM I/

A semiempirical model is developed that retrieves ocean surface wind d irection information in addition to improved wind speeds from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) measurements, Radiative transfer and n eural network techniques mere combined in our approach. The model was trained and tested using clear sky cases, but atmospheric transmittanc e is retrieved so that retrieval in other than clear sky conditions is possible. With two SSM/I instruments currently providing operational ocean surface wind speed retrievals, the addition of wind direction in formation and improved wind speed retrievals will enhance the impact o f this data in weather prediction models and marine weather forecastin g.