On the hysteresis of the sea surface and its applicability to wave height predictionsBecause of the low dissipation rate of wave energy on the ocean's surface, the wave height at some location and time must be dependent upon wind fields in existence there at previous times and upon swell propagated there from other regions. To study these relationships, significant wave height (SWH) measurements from the Geos-3 radar altimeter are used in conjunction with anemometer windspeed measurements from weather ships, L, C, and R. During the passage of large cyclonic disturbances near the fixed locations of these vessels in the North Atlantic in February 1976, distinct hysteresis profiles that characterize the sea's memory during generation and dissipation conditions are observed. Examples are given that demonstrate the influences of cyclone intensity, movement, velocity, and shape on the configuration of these profiles.
Document ID
19780029760
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Parsons, C. L. (NASA Wallops Flight Center Wallops Island, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Oceanography
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 77-1588
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on Satellite applications to marine technology