Ocean radar backscatter relationship with near-surface winds - A case study during Fasinex
- JPL, Pasadena, CA (USA) NCAR, Boulder, CO (USA) Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (USA) NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD (USA)
A case study of the ocean radar backscatter dependence on near-surface wind and wind stress is presented using the data obtained on February 18, 1986 during the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment. The particular wind-wave conditions and their variations across a sharp sea surface temperature front are described. The small change in wind speed across the front cannot account for the large change in wind stress implying significant changes in the drag coefficient and surface roughness length. The results strengthen the hypothesis that radar backscatter is closely correlated to wind stress, and therefore, could be used for remote sensing of the wind stress itself over the global oceans. 28 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6701676
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Physical Oceanography; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Physical Oceanography; (USA) Vol. 19; ISSN 0022-3670; ISSN JPYOB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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