Observational studies of scatterometer ocean vector winds in the presence of dynamic air-sea interactions

Ocean vector wind measurements produced by satellite scatterometers are used in many applications across many disciplines, from forcing ocean circulation models and improving weather forecasts, to aiding in rescue operations and helping marine management services, and even mapping energy resources. However, a scatterometer does not in fact measure wind directly; received radar backscatter is proportional to the roughness of the ocean\u27s surface, which is primarily modified by wind speed and direction. As scatterometry has evolved in recent decades, highly calibrated geophysical model functions have been designed to transform this received backscatter into vector winds. Because these products are used in so many applications, it is crucial to understand any limitations of this process. For instance, a number of assumptions are routinely invoked when interpreting scatterometer retrievals in areas of complex air-sea dynamics without, perhaps, sufficient justification from supporting observations. This dissertation uses satellite data, in situ measurements, and model simulations to evaluate these assumptions. Robustness is assured by using multiple types of satellite scatterometer data from different sensors and of different resolutions, including an experimental ultra-high resolution product that first required validation in the region of study. After this validation survey, a subsequent investigation used the multiple data resolutions to focus on the influence of ocean surface currents on scatterometer retrievals. Collocated scatterometer and buoy wind data along with buoy surface current measurements support the theory that scatterometer winds respond to the relative motion of the ocean surface; in other words, that they can effectively be considered current-relative, as has been generally assumed. Another major control on scatterometer retrievals is atmospheric stability, which affects both surface roughness and wind shear. A study using wind, stress, temperature, and pressure measurements at a mooring in the Gulf Stream as well as collocated scatterometer data proved that the scatterometer responds as expected to changes in stability. Therefore, scatterometer retrievals can effectively be used to evaluate changes in wind due to speed adjustment over temperature fronts. Given the conclusions of these individual studies, this work collectively solidifies decades of theory and validates the use of scatterometer winds in areas of complex air-sea interaction

Oceanus.

v. 26, no. 3 (1983

NASA oceanic processes program

Current flight projects and definition studies, brief descriptions of individual research activities, and bibliography of referred journal articles are provided

NASA Oceanic Processes Program, Fiscal Year 1981

Summaries are included for Nimbus 7, Seasat, TIROS-N, Altimetry, Color Radiometry, in situ data collection systems, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Open Ocean, SAR/Sea Ice, Scatterometry, National Oceanic Satellite System, Free Flying Imaging Radar Experiment, TIROS-N/Scatterometer and/or ocean color scanner, and Ocean Topography Experiment. Summaries of individual research projects sponsored by the Ocean Processes Program are given. Twelve investigations for which contracting services are provided by NOAA are included

Earth Resources: a continuing bibliography with indexes

This bibliography lists 337 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between July 31, 1980 and September 30, 1980. Emphasis is placed on the use of remote sensing and geophysical instrumentation in spacecraft and aircraft to survey and inventory natural resources and urban areas. Subject matter is grouped according to agriculture and forestry, environmental changes and cultural resources, geodesy and cartography, geology and mineral resources, hydrology and water management, data processing and distribution systems, instrumentation and sensors, and economic analysis

NASA Oceanic Processes Program annual review

Current flight projects and definition studies, descriptions of individual research activities, and a bibliography of referred journal articles appearing within the past two years are contained

Numerical Wave Simulations on Different Oceanic Scales

In practical applications, numerical wave models are used as reliable tools to provide near future wave predictions and wave climatology for specific region. Obviously models first should go through extensive validation/verification procedures. Once validated, models can be used in scientific applications to investigate methods for improving performance and to develop better understanding of wave associated physical mechanisms and their interactions in specific field experiments. Two wave transformation models, SWAN and CGWAVE, are used to simulate wave conditions at the Field Research Facility, Duck (North Carolina). The motivation is to examine how well these models reproduce observations and to determine the level of consistency between the two models. Stationary wave conditions pertaining to three different storm-induced bathymetric representations are modeled. It was found that SWAN and CGWAVE reproduced the observed wave behavior to a large extent, but CGWAVE results tended to be somewhat smaller than the SWAN results and the measurements. The differences were attributed to wave-wave interactions and breaking. Otherwise the models showed a high level of consistency. SWAN and CGWAVE were also used to explore other mechanisms reported in the recent literature; the results were either consistent with some observations (in the case of the nonlinear mechanisms) or they shed more light on others (in case of the role of the research pier legs). An operational high resolution wave prediction system for the Gulf of Maine was experimentally developed. Attempts were then made to improve the quality of the SWAN model predictions through the assimilation of observed wave data into the model simulations. It was demonstrated that a simple data assimilation scheme that uses only the observed significant wave height to correct the energy level of the predicted full 2D wave spectrum may improve the quality of wave forecasting model predictions for up to 2 days. Shorter relaxation times were attributed to inaccurate predictions of the wind field and/or inadequate representation of the boundary conditions. The results suggests that a simple and computationally inexpensive assimilation scheme is sufficient and would be of a greater benefit to high resolution operational wave prediction systems for the Gulf of Maine

Remote Sensing of Earth Resources (1970 - 1973 supplement): A literature survey with indexes. Section 2: Indexes

Documents related to the identification and evaluation by means of sensors in spacecraft and aircraft of vegetation, minerals, and other natural resources, and the techniques and potentialities of surveying and keeping up-to-date inventories of such riches are cited. These documents were announced in the NASA scientific and technical information system between March 1970 and December 1973

Earth resources, a continuing bibliography with indexes

This bibliography lists 541 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system. Emphasis is placed on the use of remote sensing and geophysical instrumentation in spacecraft and aircraft to survey and inventory natural resources and urban areas. Subject matter is grouped according to agriculture and forestry, environmental changes and cultural resources, geodesy and cartography, geology and mineral resources, hydrology and water management, data processing and distribution systems, instrumentation and sensors, and economic analysis