Determination of mean surface position and sea state from the radar return of a short-pulse satellite altimeter

Using the specular point theory of scatter from a very rough surface, the average backscatter cross section per unit area per radar cell width is derived for a cell located at a given height above the mean sea surface. This result is then applied to predict the average radar cross section observed by a short-pulse altimeter as a function of time for two modes of operation: pulse-limited and beam-limited configurations. For a pulse-limited satellite altimeter, a family of curves is calculated showing the distortion of the leading edge of the receiver output signal as a function of sea state (i.e., wind speed). A signal processing scheme is discussed that permits an accurate determination of the mean surface position--even in high seas--and, as a by-product, the estimation of the significant seawave height (or wind speed above the surface). Comparison of these analytical results with experimental data for both pulse-limited and beam-limited operation lends credence to the model. Such a model should aid in the design of short-pulse altimeters for accurate determination of the geoid over the oceans, as well as for the use of such altimeters for orbital sea-state monitoring

Determination of RMS height of a rough surface using radar waves

Root mean square height of rough surface determined by measuring correlation between two scattered radar waves at different frequencies as function of frequency separatio

Gating characteristics of photomultiplier tubes for Lidar applications

A detector test facility was developed and applied in the evaluation and characterization of lidar detectors in support of the multipurpose airborne differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system based at the Langley Research Center (LaRC). A performance data base of various detector configurations available to the DIAL system was obtained for optimum lidar detector selection. Photomultiplier tubes (PMT's) with multialkaline and bialkaline photocathodes were evaluated in voltage-divider networks (bases) by using either the focusing electrode or dynodes as a gating mechanism. Characteristics used for detector evaluation included gain stability, signal rise time, and the ability to block unwanted high light levels

Scattering from surfaces with different roughness scales, analysis and interpretation

Statistical analysis and physical interpretation of scattering from surfaces with different roughness scale

Exegetical Analysis of Psalm 104:8 and Its Possible Implications for Interpreting the Geological Record

This paper performs a detailed exegesis of Psalm 104:8 and its context (Psalm 104:5–10) in the original Hebrew to identify the timing and nature of the events about which the psalmist writes. The exegetical analysis includes the text’s poetic structure and devices, as well as its grammar and vocabulary. That interpretive process results in some significant implications. The analysis of Psalm 104:8 in its context supports a possible reference to a global cataclysmic Flood. Therefore, the psalmist’s declaration that “The mountains rose; the valleys sank down” might correspond with tectonic activity during and after the Flood. “To the place which You established for them” indicates the configuration of the earth’s surface after an uplift of mountains and lowering of valleys

Theoretical curves of backscattering cross sections of rough surfaces for several polarization states using two statistical models

Theoretical curves of backscattering cross sections of rough surfaces for polarization states using statistical model

A more exact theory of backscattering from statistically rough surfaces

Physical optics and other approximations examined for improving and extending theory of electromagnetic backscattering from rough surface

Two experiments yielding lunar surface information employing polarized radar waves

Polarized radar waves used for determining local statistical electromagnetic backscattering properties of lunar or other planetary surfac

Summary of concepts and transformations commonly used in the matrix description of polarized waves

Concepts and transformations commonly used in matrix description of polarized wave

Hebrew and Geologic Analysis of the Chronology and Parallelism of the Flood: Implications for Interpretation of the Geologic Record

In the Hebrew Flood narrative the syntax is conducive to the identification of the chronological sequence of events. Syntactical sequences confirm that the total time aboard the ark was 371 days. Noah’s family and the animals entered the ark the same day the Flood began — the day noted in 7:11 by year, month, and day. The 7 days of 7:10 are a fulfillment of the declaration given in 7:4 and are not part of the overall chronology of the Flood itself. There are two 40-day periods. The first 40 days began on the date given in 7:11 and are part of the first 150 days of the Flood. The second 40-day period began on the day after the mountaintops were seen, day 226. After this second 40-day period, three periods of 1 week are related to the releases of the raven and the dove. On day 315 the surface of the ground was described as drying (8:13) and the earth was dry on day 371, the day the ark’s occupants disembarked. An analysis of the narrative as a unit supports a global cataclysmic Flood. A natural division of the Flood occurs in two main parts: 150 days of prevailing waters and 221 days of subsidence. The purpose of the first 150 days was to obliterate all terrestrial life including the original continent(s). Heavy rains were restrained after those 150 days (not after 40 days) when the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped. The significance of the first 40 days is the lifting of the ark off the earth on the 40th day (7:17). The purpose of the 221 days was to make the earth suitable for life—an apparent replication of the third day of Creation (1:9-13). Grammatically the Hebrew description of continuous motion of the receding waters (8:3) is parallel to the grammar used to describe the raven’s flight to and fro. Large-scale, back and forth motion would have profound effects in shaping the new landscape