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A new approach for determining fully empirical altimeter wind speed model functionsA statistical technique is developed for determining fully empirical model functions relating altimeter backscatter (sigma(sub 0)) measurements to near-surface neutral stability wind speed. By assuming that sigma(sub 0) varies monotonically and uniquely with wind speed, the method requires knowledge only of the separate, rather than joint distribution functions of sigma(sub 0) and wind speed. Analytic simplifications result from using a Weibull distribution to approximate the global ocean wind speed distribution; several different wind data sets are used to demonstrate the validity of the Weibull approximation. The technique has been applied to 1 year of Geosat data. Validation of the new and historical model functions using an independent buoy data set demonstrates that the present model function not only has small overall bias and root mean square (RMS) errors, but yields smaller systematic error trends with wind speed and pseudowave age than previously published models. The present analysis suggests that generally accuracte altimeter model functions can be derived without the use of colocated measurements, nor is additional significant wave height information measured by the altimeter necessary.
Document ID
19950049142
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Freilich, M. H.
(Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, OR, United States)
Challenor, Peter G.
(James Rennell Centre for Ocean Circulation, Southhampton, England United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
December 15, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 99
Issue: C12
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
95A80741
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-3062
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-3615
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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