Abstract

The AFGL RADTRAN microwave atmospheric transmission/brightness temperature computer code has been enhanced by a surface emissivity modeling subpackage. This enhancement will provide realistic calculations of frequency-dependent polarized surface emissivity to support simulations of Earth-viewing microwave sensing systems. These models are appropriate for the frequency range 1-40 GHz. Two distinct modeling approaches have been applied: one based on wave theory for random discrete scatterers, and one based on radiative transfer theory for continuous random media. The former approach is used to model the ocean surface, various forms of sea ice, and snow over land, whereas the latter is used to treat soils and vegetation. Surface emissivity values obtained from these models as functions of polarization, frequency, and look angle are illustrated.