Detection and interpretation of ocean roughness variations across the Gulf Stream inferred from radar cross section observationsRadar cross section data shows that the Gulf Stream has a higher cross section per unit area (interpreted here as a greater roughness) than the water on the continental shelf. A steep gradient in cross section was often seen at the expected location of the western boundary. There were also longer-scale (10-20 km) gradual fluctuations within the stream of significant magnitude. These roughness variations are correlated with the surface shear stress that the local wind imposes on the sea. Using the available surface-truth information concerning the wind speed and direction, an assumed Gulf Stream velocity profile, and high-resolution ocean-surface temperature data obtained by the VHRR onboard a NOAA-NESS polar-orbiting satellite, the present study demonstrates that the computed surface stress variation bears a striking resemblance to the measured radar cross-section variations.
Document ID
19780065748
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Weissman, D. E. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; Hofstra University Hempstead, N.Y., United States)
Thompson, T. W. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Science Applications, Inc. Pasadena, Calif., United States)