Effects of atmospheric stability on ocean ripples: A comparison between optical and microwave measurements

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Abstract
Fine structures of the sea surface responding instantaneously to the wind influence greatly air‐sea exchange processes. Much has been learned on the generation of these structures by the wind, while little has been studied on effects of the atmospheric stability. Reported “direct” optical measurements of, and “indirect” microwave returns from, the sea surface are analyzed to show a similar quantitative suppression of ocean ripples under stable atmospheric conditions. Both mean square slopes and radar returns are magnified under unstable conditions, but their quantitative modifications are less certain.