Scatterometer directional response during rainRainfall modification of directional scatterometer response from the sea surface was simulated in wind-wave tank experiments. Data show that for the range of conditions in laboratory experiments, rain enhances radar cross section for all azimuthal angles relative to wind direction. This result broadens previous measurements, which showed that scatterometer response increases with increasing rainfall for radars pointing upwind. But more to the point, the data also show that the directional dynamic-range of scatterometry diminishes rapidly as rainfall rate increases. Thus, while it may be possible to determine wind speed and direction during rain, it will require adequate system sensitivity.
Document ID
19910031218
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bliven, L. (NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Norcross, G. (NASA Wallops Flight Center Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Giovanangeli, J.-P. (Institut de Mecanique Statistique de la Turbulence Marseille, France)