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Pierson, W. J., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Pierson, W. J., Jr..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Linear and nonlinear propagation of water wave groups

Results are presented from a study of the evolution of waveforms with known analytical group shapes, in the form of both transient wave groups and the cloidal (cn) and dnoidal (dn) wave trains as derived from the nonlinear Schroedinger equation. The waveforms were generated in a long wind-wave tank of the Canada Centre for Inland Waters. It was found that the low-amplitude transients behaved as predicted by the linear theory and that the cn and dn wave trains of moderate steepness behaved almost as predicted by the nonlinear Schroedinger equation. Some of the results did not fit into any of the available theories for waves on water, but they provide important insight on how actual groups of waves propagate and on higher-order effects for a transient waveform.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A two-scale Bragg scattering model for microwave backscatter from wind generated waves

A model for the wavenumber spectrum for fully developed seas is derived as a function of the mean wind gradient. The high wavenumber part of the spectrum, which defines the Bragg wavenumbers, is an equilibrium spectrum in balance by a wind forcing term determined by viscous dissipation, which is a strong function of water temperature, and dissipation by breaking and microbreaking. The low wavenumber spectrum, constructed from surface elevation observations of gravity waves, is merged with the high wavenumber spectrum. Parameters are adjusted to fit circle flight data for Ku-band. The full spectrum is used in the two-scale Bragg scattering theory, plus specular reflection, to compute backscatter as a function of wind speed, direction, incidence angle, and water temperature (which determines viscosity) for Ku-band.

Donelan, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Verification results for a two-scale model of microwave backscatter from the sea surface

The backscatter model of Donelan and Pierson (1986) was adjusted to fit Ku-Band at 13.9 GHz. Data from L to Ka-band are used to test the model. In general, there is no power law. When the wind drops below certain threshold speeds there may be no detectable Bragg backscatter. Saturation may occur at high winds. Results from the Seasat-SASS are used to substantiate the predictions of the model. Suggestions for experiments for determining the overall validity of the model are made.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Aspects of the determination of winds by means of scatterometry and of the utilization of vector wind data for meteorological forecasts

The present paper provides a description of four aspects of scatterometer winds and their uses. The theory of wave generation by the wind is considered along with an analysis of the properties of superobservations, and studies of intermittent versus continuous data assimilation methods for numerical weather predictions which use remotely sensed data. A comparison of the sum of squares versus the maximum likelihood method for recovering the vector winds is also conducted. Questions regarding wind speed, friction velocity, or normal stress are discussed and synoptic scale fields from Seasat-SASS data are examined.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Oceanographic and meteorological research based on the data products of SEASAT

Reservations were expressed concerning the sum of squares wind recovery algorithm and the power law model function. The SAS sum of squares (SOS) method for recovering winds from backscatter data leads to inconsistent results when V pol and H pol winds are compared. A model function that does not use a power law and that accounts for sea surface temperature is needed and is under study both theoretically and by means of the SASS mode 4 data. Aspects of the determination of winds by means of scatterometry and of the utilization of vector wind data for meteorological forecasts are elaborated. The operational aspect of an intermittent assimilation scheme currently utilized for the specification of the initial value field is considered with focus on quantifying the absolute 12-hour linear displacement error of the movement of low centers.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The closure problem for turbulence in meteorology and oceanography

The dependent variables used for computer based meteorological predictions and in plans for oceanographic predictions are wave number and frequency filtered values that retain only scales resolvable by the model. Scales unresolvable by the grid in use become 'turbulence'. Whether or not properly processed data are used for initial values is important, especially for sparce data. Fickian diffusion with a constant eddy diffusion is used as a closure for many of the present models. A physically realistic closure based on more modern turbulence concepts, especially one with a reverse cascade at the right times and places, could help improve predictions.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A Monte Carlo comparison of the recovery of winds near upwind and downwind from the SASS-1 model function by means of the sum of squares algorithm and a maximum likelihood estimator

Backscatter measurements at upwind and crosswind are simulated for five incidence angles by means of the SASS-1 model function. The effects of communication noise and attitude errors are simulated by Monte Carlo methods, and the winds are recovered by both the Sum of Square (SOS) algorithm and a Maximum Likelihood Estimater (MLE). The SOS algorithm is shown to fail for light enough winds at all incidence angles and to fail to show areas of calm because backscatter estimates that were negative or that produced incorrect values of K sub p greater than one were discarded. The MLE performs well for all input backscatter estimates and returns calm when both are negative. The use of the SOS algorithm is shown to have introduced errors in the SASS-1 model function that, in part, cancel out the errors that result from using it, but that also cause disagreement with other data sources such as the AAFE circle flight data at light winds. Implications for future scatterometer systems are given.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Synoptic scale wind field properties from the SEASAT SASS

Dealiased SEASAT SEASAT A Scatterometer System SASS vector winds obtained during the Gulf Of Alaska SEASAT Experiment GOASEX program are processed to obtain superobservations centered on a one degree by one degree grid. The grid. The results provide values for the combined effects of mesoscale variability and communication noise on the individual SASS winds. These superobservations winds are then processed further to obtain estimates of synoptic scale vector winds stress fields, the horizontal divergence of the wind, the curl of the wind stress and the vertical velocity at 200 m above the sea surface, each with appropriate standard deviations of the estimates for each grid point value. They also explain the concentration of water vapor, liquid water and precipitation found by means of the SMMR Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer at fronts and occlusions in terms of strong warm, moist air advection in the warm air sector accompanied by convergence in the friction layer. Their quality is far superior to that of analyses based on conventional data, which are shown to yield many inconsistencies.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Does the scatterometer see wind speed or friction velocity?

Studies of radar backscatter from the sea surface are referred either to the wind speed, U, or friction velocity, u(sub *). Bragg scattering theory suggests that these variations in backscatter are directly related to the height of the capillary-gravity waves modulated by the larger waves in tilt and by straining of the short wave field. The question then arises as to what characteristic of the wind field is most probably correlated with the wave number spectrum of the capillary-gravity waves. The justification for selecting U as the appropriate meteorological parameter to be associated with backscatter from L-band to Ku-band are reviewed. Both theoretical reasons and experimental evidence are used to demonstrate that the dominant parameter is U/C(lambda) where U is the wind speed at a height of about lambda/2 for waves having a phase speed of C(lambda).

Donelan, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Vector wind, horizontal divergence, wind stress and wind stress curl from SEASAT-SASS at one degree resolution

Conventional data obtained in 1983 are contrasted with SEASAT-A scatterometer and scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) data to show how observations at a single station can be extended to an area of about 150,000 square km by means of remotely sensed data obtained in nine minutes. Superobservations at a one degree resolution for the vector winds were estimated along with their standard deviations. From these superobservations, the horizontal divergence, vector wind stress, and the curl of the wind stress can be found. Weather forecasting theory is discussed and meteorological charts of the North Pacific Ocean are presented. Synoptic meteorology as a technique is examined.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The measurement of the synoptic scale wind over the ocean

The effects of mesoscale and microscale fluctuations of the winds on the determination of the synoptic scale wind are studied in order to show the effects of mesoscale variability on the verification of wind forecasts and on the comparison of remotely sensed and anemometer-averaged winds, and to show how to measure the synoptic wind scale more accurately. The frequencies involved correspond to periods longer than one hour and extend to the microscale. Nondimensional spectra that span both the mesoscale and the microscale are derived. Both conventional anemometer averages and remotely sensed winds contain a random component of the mesoscale wind in their values. These components are differences and not errors when winds are compared, and quantitative values for these differences are given. Ways of improving the measurement of the synoptic scale wind by transient ships, data buoys, and scatterometers on future spacecraft are described.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Highlights of the SEASAT-SASS program - A review

Some important concepts of the SEASAT-SASS program are described and some of the decisions made during the program as to methods for relating wind to backscatter are discussed. The radar scatterometer design is analyzed along with the model function, which is an empirical relationship between the backscatter value and the wind speed, wind direction, and incidence angle of the radar beam with the sea surface. The results of Monte Carlo studies of mesoscale turbulence and of studies of wind stress on the sea surface involving SASS are reviewed.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Preliminary analysis of Skylab RADSCAT results over the ocean

Preliminary observations at 13.9 GHz of the radar backscatter and microwave emission from the sea were analyzed using data obtained by the radiometer scatterometer on Skylab. Results indicate approximately a square-law relationship between differential scattering coefficient and windspeed at angles of 40 deg to 50 deg, after correction for directional effect, over a range from about 4 up to about 25 meters/sec. The brightness temperature response was also observed, and considerable success was achieved in correcting it for atmospheric attenuation and emission. Measurements were made in June, 1973, over Hurricane Ava off the west coast of Mexico and over relatively calm conditions in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

Moore, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The elevation, slope, and curvature spectra of a wind roughened sea surface

The elevation, slope and curvature spectra are defined as a function of wave number and depend on the friction velocity. There are five wave number ranges of definition called the gravity wave-gravity equilibrium range, the isotropic turbulence range, the connecting range due to Leykin Rosenberg, the capillary range, and the viscous cutoff range. The higher wave number ranges are strongly wind speed dependent, and there is no equilibrium (or saturated) capillary range, at least for winds up to 30 meters/sec. Some properties of the angular variation of the spectra are also found. For high wave numbers, especially in the capillary range, the results are shown to be consistent with the Rayleigh-Rice backscattering theory (Bragg scattering), and certain properties of the angular variation are deduced from backscatter measurements.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary report on Skylab S-193 Radscat measurements of Hurricane Ava

The author has identified the following significant results. The Skylab RADSCAT instrument S-193 was operated on 6 June 1973 while the spacecraft flew past Hurricane Ava in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scatterometer returns at all polarizations and radiometer measurements were obtained from a section through the storm with winds up to 48 knots at 52 deg incident angle and 35 knots at 45.5 deg incident angle. These first hurricane scatterometer measurements indicate reasonable correlation between wind speed and backscatter, with horizontal response much stronger than the vertical response at 52 deg. Each of the sections through the hurricane contains an as yet unexplained dip in cross section at a point 200 to 300 km prior to passing the eye. The response at a point where the radiometer signal's dramatic increase indicates strong rain is also accompanied by a strong increase in the backscattered signal. No attempt has been made to make a thorough correlation of radiometric response with wind speed, but the atmospheric contribution to the radiometer signal is quite apparent.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Skylab S193 and the analysis of the wind field over the ocean

The present status of the program to provide proof of concept for the idea that simultaneously observed radar scattering cross section measurements and passive microwave measurements can be used to determine the winds in the planetary boundary layer over the ocean, is given. The role of S193 in Skylab is providing the final clinching proof that an operational instrument will obtain data of great value to both meteorology and oceanography is described.

Pierson, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Global oceanic microwave anemometry - A planned space verification experiment.

Recent observations of the wind sensitivity of oceanic backscatter and temperature measurements are shown to have made it possible to design an experiment for verifying the potential use of an operational global satellite anemometer. The experiment is to be conducted with the Skylab in 1973, and its success may lead to the design and flight of an operational microwave scatterometer-radiometer instrument on a small satellite flying in a polar orbit sometime in the late 1970's.

Moore, R. K.↗