Uncertainty Characterization of HOAPS-3.3 Latent Heat Flux Related Parameters

Abstract

Abstract. Latent heat fluxes (LH F ) are one of the main contributors to the global energy budget. As the density of LHF measurements over the global oceans is generally poor, the potential of remotely sensed LHF for meteorological applications is enormous. However, to date none of the available satellite products include estimates of systematic, random retrieval, and sampling uncertainties, all of which are essential for assessing their quality. Here, this challenge is taken on by applying regionally independent multi-dimensional bias analyses to LH F -related parameters (wind speed U , near-surface specific humidity