A neural network-based forward model for direct assimilation of SSM/I brightness temperatures

This report contains a description of a new neural network (NN) SSM/I forward model (FM) or geophysical model function (GMF) which generates SSM/I brightness temperatures (BTs) at five frequencies, 19GHz(V and H), 22GHz (V), and 37GHz(V and H) given the wind speed (W in m/s), columnar water vapor (V in mm), columnar liquid water (L in mm), and SST (in °C). This OMBFM1 (Ocean Modeling Branch Forward Model number 1) has been developed to be used for direct assimilation of SSM/I BTs into NCEP atmospheric forecast models.