Algorithm Input and Output Data Definition (IODD)

The processing of L2 SST requires both TB observations and ancillary data. Additional information such as e.g. a land mask, a sea ice product and information about RFI is needed to remove contaminated PMW observations. The input for the SST retrieval algorithm consists of TBs at 1.4, 6.9, 10.6, 18.7 and 36.5 GHz (vertical and horizontal polarization) and additional satellite information as well as surface WS. The output is SST, the associated SST uncertainty, a status flag and optionally surface WS, as described in this document.

Input data

Field	Description	Shape/Amount
L1B TB L-band	L1B Brightness Temperatures at 1.4 GHz (V and H polarization)	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
L1B TB C-band	L1B Brightness Temperatures at 6.9 GHz (V and H polarization)	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
L1B TB X-band	L1B Brightness Temperatures at 10.6 GHz (V and H polarization)	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
L1B TB Ku-band	L1B Brightness Temperatures at 18.7 GHz (V and H polarization)	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
L1B TB Ka-band	L1B Brightness Temperatures at 36.5 GHz (V and H polarization)	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)

Output data

Field	Description	Shape/Amount
L2 SST	Sea Surface Temperature	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
SST uncertainty	Retrieval uncertainty	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
Status flag	A flag indicating the status of the retrieval	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)
L2 WS	Wind Speed (optional)	Full swath or section of it (Nscans, Npos)

Auxiliary data

Data as a complement to the retrieval, e.g. for flagging:

• Sea ice product

• Distance to coast

• Sun glint information

• Information for RFI flagging

Ancillary data

Data that is necessary for the retrieval:

• Earth incidence angle (satellite zenith angle)

• Satellite azimuth angle

• Surface winds