Wavelet analysis of atmospheric turbulence
After a brief review of the elementary properties of Fourier Transforms, the Wavelet Transform is defined in Part I. Basic results are given for admissable wavelets. The Multiresolution Analysis, or MRA (a mathematical structure which unifies a large class of wavelets with Quadrature Mirror Filters) is then introduced. Some fundamental aspects of wavelet design are then explored. The Discrete Wavelet Transform is discussed and, in the context of an MRA, is seen to supply a Fast Wavelet Transform which competes with the Fast Fourier Transform for efficiency. In Part II, the Wavelet Transform is developed in terms of the scale number variable s instead of the scale length variable a where a = 1/s. Basic results such as the admissibility condition, conservation of energy, and the reconstruction theorem are proven in this context. After reviewing some motivation for the usual Fourier power spectrum, a definition is given for the wavelet power spectrum. This `spectral density` is then intepreted in the context of spectral estimation theory. Parseval`s theorem for Wavelets then leads naturally to the Wavelet Cross Spectrum, Wavelet Cospectrum, and Wavelet Quadrature Spectrum. Wavelet Transforms are then applied in Part III to the analysis of atmospheric turbulence. Data collected over the ocean is examined in the wavelet transform domain for underlying structure. A brief overview of atmospheric turbulence is provided. Then the overall method of applying Wavelet Transform techniques to time series data is described. A trace study is included, showing some of the aspects of choosing the computational algorithm, and selection of a specific analyzing wavelet. A model for generating synthetic turbulence data is developed, and seen to yield useful results in comparing with real data for structural transitions. Results from the theory of Wavelet Spectral Estimation and Wavelength Cross-Transforms are applied to studying the momentum transport and the heat flux.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Irvine, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 121357
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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