The aim of the International SST FRM Radiometer Network (ISFRN) is to develop a community of in situ radiometer builders, operators and data users who will:

  • Promote good practice in the construction and operation of in situ radiometers
  • Agree and establish protocols, formats and standards for quality assurance of data
  • Provide a single access point for the collection and dissemination of radiometer data
  • Support satellite radiometer operators in the long-term validation of satellite products
  • Share knowledge and coordinate activities between Network members
  • Inform the wider community about the Network's activities

 

Why are shipborne infrared radiometers important?

  • They are used to validate satellite measurements of skin SST, which is what satellite infrared SST measurements measure
  • They provide traceability of measurements to NMI standards (FRM4STS)
  • In the absence of a dual-view satellite sensor, they provide the reference skin SST (fiducial reference measurement)
  • They are needed for the Gap-Bridging between AATSR and SLSTR  
  • As more shipborne radiometers join the ISFRN, the current limited global coverage will be improved

 

The objectives for Phase 3 of the ships4sst: FRM4SST project are:

  • OBJ-1: Deploy and maintain shipborne thermal infrared (TIR) FRM radiometers and necessary supporting instrumentation to validate satellite SST products.
  • OBJ-2: Maintain Fiducial Reference Measurement (FRM) protocols for satellite SST measurements and uncertainty budgets.
  • OBJ-3: Process, quality control, archive and deliver approved FRM4SST data sets following documented FRM procedures and approve their use for FRM satellite validation.
  • OBJ-4: Validate satellite SST products to FRM standards and publish monthly results.
  • OBJ-5: Promote the FRM4SST outputs and maintain the International SST FRM Radiometer Network (ships4sst).