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Probabilities and statistics for backscatter estimates obtained by a scatterometerMethods for the recovery of winds near the surface of the ocean from measurements of the normalized radar backscattering cross section must recognize and make use of the statistics (i.e., the sampling variability) of the backscatter measurements. Radar backscatter values from a scatterometer are random variables with expected values given by a model. A model relates backscatter to properties of the waves on the ocean, which are in turn generated by the winds in the atmospheric marine boundary layer. The effective wind speed and direction at a known height for a neutrally stratified atmosphere are the values to be recovered from the model. The probability density function for the backscatter values is a normal probability distribution with the notable feature that the variance is a known function of the expected value. The sources of signal variability, the effects of this variability on the wind speed estimation, and criteria for the acceptance or rejection of models are discussed. A modified maximum likelihood method for estimating wind vectors is described. Ways to make corrections for the kinds of errors found for the Seasat SASS model function are described, and applications to a new scatterometer are given.
Document ID
19890060846
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Pierson, Willard J., Jr.
(City College New York, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
July 15, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 94
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
89A48217
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-690
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-957714-02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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