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Doppler lidar sampling strategies and accuracies: Regional scaleIt has been proposed that a Doppler lidar be placed in a polar orbit and scanned to provide estimates of lower tropospheric winds twice per day and with a spatial resolution of 300 km. Initial feasibility studies conducted primarily by NOAA and NASA presented an optimistic outlook for a space based lidar. The technology appeared within reach and initial computer simulations suggested that acceptable accuracies could be obtained. Those early studies exposed, however, several potential problem areas which included: (1) the algorithms for computing the wind vectors did not perform well when there were coherent gradients in the wind fields; and (2) the lifetime and power requirements of the lidar put severe restrictions on the pulse repetition frequency (PRF). These two basic problems are currently being addressed by a Doppler lidar simulation study focussed upon three primary objectives: (1) to develop optimum scan parameters and shot patterns for a satellite-based Doppler lidar; (2) to develop robust algorithms for computing wind vectors from lidar returns; and (3) to evaluate the impact of coherent mesoscale structures (wind gradients, clouds, aerosols) on up-scale wind estimates. An overview is provided of the simulation efforts with particular emphasis upon rationale and methodology. Since this research is currently underway, any results shown are meant only as evidence of progress.
Document ID
19930072889
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Emmitt, G. D.
(Simpson Weather Associates, Inc. Charlottesville, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center, Proceedings of the NASA Symposium on Global Wind Measurements
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
93N70336
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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