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<p>The CyGNSS (Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite system measures GNSS signals reflected off the Earth’s surface. A global ocean wind speed dataset is derived, which fills a gap in Earth observation data and can improve cyclone forecasting. We proposed CyGNSSnet(1), a deep learning model for predicting wind speed from CyGNSS observables, and found an improved performance of 29% compared to the current operational model. However, the prediction of extreme winds remained challenging: For wind speeds exceeding 12 m/s, the operational model outperformed CyGNSSnet.</p><p>Here, we explore methods to improve the performance of CyGNSSnet at high wind speeds. We introduce a hierarchical model that combines specialized CyGNSSnet instances trained in different wind speed regimes with a classifier to select an instance. In addition, we explore strategies to improve the wind speed predictions by emphasizing extreme values in training, and we discuss the potentials and shortcomings of the approaches.</p><ul><li>(1) Asgarimehr, M., Arnold, C., Weigel, T., Ruf, C. & Wickert, J. GNSS reflectometry global ocean wind speed using deep learning: Development and assessment of CyGNSSnet. Remote Sensing of Environment 269, 112801 (2022).</li> </ul>

<p> </p><p>The capability of Deep Learning (DL) for operational wind speed retrieval from the measured Delay-Doppler Maps (DDMs) is recently characterized. It is shown that such techniques can lead to a significant improvement in the derived atmospheric data products. A global ocean dataset is developed processing the measurements of NASA Cyclone GNSS (CYGNSS). The model is based on convolutional layers for direct feature extraction from bistatic radar cross-section (BRCS) DDMs and fully connected layers for processing ancillary technical and higher-level input parameters. This model leads to an RMSE of 1.36 m/s and a significant improvement of 28% in comparison to the officially operational retrieval algorithm.</p><p>From the theoretical knowledge, several error sources are known, the modeling and correction of which is not easy due to their highly nonlinear interaction with other and the dependent parameters. DL is potentially able to learn such trends and correct the associated biases. For instance, rain splash on the ocean surface and swell waves alter the surface roughness, and consequently, the GNSS scattering patterns, which appear as a considerable bias in GNSS-R wind products. The magnitude of such biases is nonlinearly dependent on several technical and environmental parameters including the reflection geometry, and ocean surface state. After a brief introduction to the known physical mechanisms, we discuss how a DL-based fusion with data on bias-causing parameters, can improve the wind speed predictions.</p>