Estimation of maximum hurricane wind speed using simulated CYGNSS measurements

A hurricane maximum wind retrieval experiment is conducted using CYGNSS (Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System) tracks simulated over a series of tropical cyclone scenes from the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model (HWRF). This experiment makes use of a forward model relating simulated CYGNSS power-vs-delay waveforms to hurricane maximum winds. The forward model uses synthetic Willoughby modeled storms as `truth´ data. 1148 HWRF storm scenes from the 2010-11 hurricane seasons, from both the Atlantic and Eastern pacific basins, are used as input wind field to the forward model. Retrieved maximum winds are compared to both NHC best-track and HWRF. Results show a definite potential in using the CYGNSS data in retrieving hurricane maximum winds, although the current retrieval performance is hindered due to the symmetrical nature of the modeled Willoughby storms.