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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Active microwave investigation of snowpacks: Experimental documentation, Colorado 1979-1980

During the winter of 1979-1980, the University of Kansas Microwave Active Spectrometer systems measured the backscattering properties of snowpacks under varying conditions at four test sites in Colorado. In addition to the radar data over 1-35 GHz, ground-truth measurements of the atmospheric, snow, and soil characteristics were obtained for each radar data set. The test sites, data acquisition procedures, and data that were acquired in this experiment are presented and described.

Stiles, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Passive Microwave Remote Sensing of Rainfall Considering the Effects of Wind and Nonprecipitating Clouds

It has long been shown both in theory and in observation that emission from rain drops in a raining cloud results in upwelling brightness temperature above that caused by the sea surface alone. High brightness temperatures at microwave frequencies (e.g. 37 and 19 GHz) have usually been quantitatively associated with rainfall using physical or statistical models. By comparing concurrent special sensor microwave/imager and radar data, however, we noticed many cases where there is no appreciable rainfall in a field of view (FOV) which exhibits high brightness temperature (T(sub B)) at 37 and 19 GHz. On the basis of calculations and past literature it is shown that such high brightness temperatures can be caused by nonprecipitating clouds and by wind. The effect of the wind is to create wave and high-emissivity foam on the sea surface. A model is developed to relate T(sub B) to the fractional coverage of rain, f, within a FOV. The parameters of the model are calibrated by fitting the model to the observed brightness temperature and fractional rain coverage data. The critical parameter of the model, T(sub B min.), which is the threshold brightness temperature for the presence of rain, depends on the strength of the storm. The strength of the storm is characterized by the fraction of the FOVs within a large area that have T(sub B) higher than 240 K, which is readily obtainable from satellite data alone. The instantaneous FOV rain rate R can then be obtained through the f approximately R relationship which is empirically derived using radar data. An algorithm has been proposed based on the T(sub B) approximately f and f approximately R relationship. Application of the algorithm to TOGA-COARE and Darwin storms results in reasonable instantaneous FOV rain estimate. When averaged over the entire radar scan, a more accurate and unbiased areal rain estimate can be achieved.

Qihang Li.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A passive microwave technique for estimating rainfall and vertical structure information from space. Part 2: Applications to SSM/I data

A multi channel physical approach for retrieving rainfall and its vertical structure from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) observations is examined. While a companion paper was devoted exclusively to the description of the algorithm, its strengths, and its limitations, the main focus of this paper is to report on the results, applicability, and expected accuraciesfrom this algorithm. Some examples are given that compare retrieved results with ground-based radar data from different geographical regions to illustrate the performance and utility of the algorithm under distinct rainfall conditions. More quantitative validation is accomplished using two months of radar data from Darwin, Australia, and the radar network over Japan. Instantaneous comparisons at Darwin indicate that root-mean-square errors for 1.25 deg areas over water are 0.09 mm/h compared to the mean rainfall value of 0.224 mm/h while the correlation exceeds 0.9. Similar results are obtained over the Japanese validation site with rms errors of 0.615 mm/h compared to the mean of 0.0880 mm/h and a correlation of 0.9. Results are less encouraging over land with root-mean-square errors somewhat larger than the mean rain rates and correlations of only 0.71 and 0.62 for Darwin and Japan, respectively. These validation studies are further used in combination with the theoretical treatment of expected accuracies developed in the companion paper to define error estimates on a broader scale than individual radar sites from which the errors may be analyzed. Comparisons with simpler techniques that are based on either emission or scattering measurements are used to illustrate the fact that the current algorithm, while better correlated with the emission methods over water, cannot be reduced to either of these simpler methods.

Kummerow, Christian↗
NASA NTRS1984

Studies of lightning data in conjunction with geostationary satellite data

The archiving of a more complete data base to perform lightning studies is outlined. This effort includes: (1) continued archiving of bureau of land management LLP, geostationary satellite, and NWS radar data; (2) expansion of the McIDAS real-time LLP access to other networks. Additional processing tools for display and analysis of lightning location data in conjunction with geostationary satellite data are developed which entails adapting existing McIDAS software to allow the production of statistical summaries and contouring of lightning characteristics over user defined areas or storms. The plotting of three dimensional displays of lightning statistics versus satellite and radar data, and the performance of an error analysis of lightning location data using overlapping regions of the BLM network are discussed.

Suchman, D.↗
DOE OSTI2024

WFIP3 High Frequency Radar / Processed Data

These data were collected by Kirincich as part of the DOE Wind Forecast Improvement Project, based on support from NOAA-IOOS, WHOI, and DOE. The data consist of estimates of the near-surface horizontal (East and North) ocean currents made via High Frequency (HF) radar-based remote sensing of the Ocean backscatter spectrum. The effective measurement depth of the WHOI HF radars is 0.5 m below the ocean surface. The WHOI HF radar system, as operated during the experiment, consisted of 4 land-based sites spaced at 30-40km intervals along the area spanning from Nantucket,MA to Narragansett,RI that operate at 16 MHz and 25 MHz systems (see Kirincich et al, 2019 and Kirincich et al 2022 for details). Received doppler spectra from each were processed using the advanced methods of Kirincich et al. 2012, and Kirincich et al 2019, and unpublished work Kirincich, 2024) into radial or elliptical velocity estimates every 30 min based on a 30 min averaging window.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2014

Assimilation of Dual-Polarimetric Radar Observations with WRF GSI

Dual-polarimetric (dual-pol) radar typically transmits both horizontally and vertically polarized radio wave pulses. From the two different reflected power returns, more accurate estimate of liquid and solid cloud and precipitation can be provided. The upgrade of the traditional NWS WSR-88D radar to include dual-pol capabilities will soon be completed for the entire NEXRAD network. Therefore, the use of dual-pol radar network will have a broad impact in both research and operational communities. The assimilation of dual-pol radar data is especially challenging as few guidelines have been provided by previous research. It is our goal to examine how to best use dual-pol radar data to improve forecast of severe storm and forecast initialization. In recent years, the Development Testbed Center (DTC) has released the community Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) DA system for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The community GSI system runs in independently environment, yet works functionally equivalent to operational centers. With collaboration with the NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center, this study explores regional assimilation of the dual-pol radar variables from the WSR-88D radars for real case storms. Our presentation will highlight our recent effort on incorporating the horizontal reflectivity (ZH), differential reflectivity (ZDR), specific differential phase (KDP), and radial velocity (VR) data for initializing convective storms, with a significant focus being on an improved representation of hydrometeor fields. In addition, discussion will be provided on the development of enhanced assimilation procedures in the GSI system with respect to dual-pol variables. Beyond the dual-pol variable assimilation procedure developing within a GSI framework, highresolution (≤1 km) WRF model simulations and storm scale data assimilation experiments will be examined, emphasizing both model initialization and short-term forecast of precipitation fields and processes. Further details of the methodology of data assimilation, the impact of different dual-pol variables, the influence on precipitation forecast will be presented at the conference.

Li, Xuanli↗
NASA NTRS2014

Assimilation of Dual-Polarimetric Radar Observations with WRF GSI

Dual-polarimetric (dual-pol) radar typically transmits both horizontally and vertically polarized radio wave pulses. From the two different reflected power returns, more accurate estimate of liquid and solid cloud and precipitation can be provided. The upgrade of the traditional NWS WSR-88D radar to include dual-pol capabilities will soon be completed for the entire NEXRAD network. Therefore, the use of dual-pol radar network will have a broad impact in both research and operational communities. The assimilation of dual-pol radar data is especially challenging as few guidelines have been provided by previous research. It is our goal to examine how to best use dual-pol radar data to improve forecast of severe storm and forecast initialization. In recent years, the Development Testbed Center (DTC) has released the community Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) DA system for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The community GSI system runs in independently environment, yet works functionally equivalent to operational centers. With collaboration with the NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center, this study explores regional assimilation of the dual-pol radar variables from the WSR-88D radars for real case storms. Our presentation will highlight our recent effort on incorporating the horizontal reflectivity (ZH), differential reflectivity (ZDR), specific differential phase (KDP), and radial velocity (VR) data for initializing convective storms, with a significant focus being on an improved representation of hydrometeor fields. In addition, discussion will be provided on the development of enhanced assimilation procedures in the GSI system with respect to dual-pol variables. Beyond the dual-pol variable assimilation procedure developing within a GSI framework, highresolution (≤1 km) WRF model simulations and storm scale data assimilation experiments will be examined, emphasizing both model initialization and short-term forecast of precipitation fields and processes. Further details of the methodology of data assimilation, the impact of different dual-pol variables, the influence on precipitation forecast will be presented at the conference.

Li, Xuanli↗
NASA NTRS1989

Relationships between multipolarized radar backscatter and slash pine stand parameters

Multipolarized L-band (24.5 cm) aircraft radar data was obtained for a primarily forested area in northern Florida. Based on the results of previous studies by Hoffer and Hussin (1989), a swath of medium incidence angle (35-25 deg) data was defined. Three groups of slash pine stands were located in the data: 4- to 17-year-old plantations, 18- to 48-year-old plantations, and 16- to 53-year-old natural stands. Stand data obtained from the forest-products companies operating in the area include age, tree height, diameter-at-breast height, basal area, volume (cords/acre), and density (trees/acre). Each of these stand parameters were compared to each of the four polarizations (HH, VV, VH, and HV) of the radar data for each group of stands. Statistically significant relationships were found between the radar backscatter and the forest stand parameters only for the 4- to 17-year-old slash pine plantation stands. In general, the cross-polarized radar backscatter was more highly correlated with the various stand parameters than the like-polarized backscatter, and the VV-polarized data were more highly correlated than the HH-polarized data.

Hussin, Yousif Ali↗
NASA NTRS1974

Design data for radars based on 13.9 GHz Skylab scattering coefficient measurements

The author has identified the following significant results. Measurements made at 13.9 GHz with the radar scatterometer on Skylab have been combined to produce median curves of the variation of scattering coefficient with angle of incidence out to 45 deg. Because of the large number of observations, and the large area averaged for each measured data point, these curves may be used as a new design base for radars. A reasonably good fit at larger angles is obtained using the theoretical expression based on an exponential height correlation function and also using Lambert's law. For angles under 10 deg, a different fit based on the exponential correlation function, and a fit based on geometric optics expressions are both reasonably valid.

Moore, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Doppler radar study of the anvil region associated with a squall line

A method for analyzing multiple Doppler radar data is briefly described. A feature of this method is a new automated objective unfolding scheme which unfolds Doppler velocities for all the radars simultanceously rather than one radar at a time. The method has been used to study a region of widespread precipitation trailing a squall line (anvil), using tripple Doppler radar data to calculate horizontal winds, divergence, and vertical air velocity over an area 120 km by 120 km by 9 km deep. The method yields vertical profiles of divergence which verify the extended VAD method results of Matejka and Srivastava (1981) for the same anvil, and provides a more detailed picture of the variation of winds, divergence, and vertical air velocity in the anvil behind the squall line.

Srivastava, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Venus - Crater distributions at low northern latitudes and in the southern hemisphere from new Arecibo observations

Arecibo high resolution radar data covering approximately 23 percent of the surface of Venus were analyzed for circular features with crater-like appearances. Overlapping Venera 15/16 radar data, with its more normal to the surface viewing geometry, was used to verify crater diameters measured from the Arecibo data. A comparison of the diameter-frequency distribution of the possible impact features in the Arecibo data for northern latitudes south of 40 deg N and for the southern hemisphere with the distribution from the Venera 15/16 data for the northernmost quarter of the planet indicated similar distributions for large crater-like features with diameters greater than approximately 30 km, but a deficiency of smaller craters in the Arecibo data. One possible process responsible for the density differences of small craters is a difference in the rate of volcanic resurfacing. An increase in the resurfacing rate of approximately 50 percent would explain the lower density of small craters in the area covered by the Arecibo data compared with the Venera data, but would not account for the differences being confined to the less than 30 km crater diameter range.

Campbell, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Geological and vegetational applications of Shuttle Imaging Radar-B, Mineral County, Nevada

Multiple-incidence angle and multi-azimuth radar data were acquired from a Shuttle platform over test sites in Nevada in October 1984. An attempt was made to correlate these data with ground features for the purpose of evaluating the use of such data for geological and vegetational assessment. Standard ecological parameters with respect to the flora (community composition, dominance, and relative cover) were recorded in the field at the time of overflight. Although a total of 33 species representing 11 plant families were recognized, and plant cover ranged from 13 to 26 percent, radar data could not be used to separate plant communities. The signal return is more a function of abiotic conditions than vegetative characteristics. Illumination geometry plays an important role in the ability to detect strike-slip and dip-slip faults. Local incidence angle is the most important parameter, and SIR-B data takes with small incidence angles are superior for identifying certain styles of faulting. Look direction is critical for detecting faults with a dip-slip component. New structural features were not observed. Problems with radar antenna power and recording significantly affected data quality.

Borengasser, M. X.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Goldstone solar system radar signal processing

A performance analysis of the planetary radar data acquisition system is presented. These results extend previous computer simulation analysis and are facilitated by the development of a simple analytical model that predicts radar system performance over a wide range of operational parameters. The results of this study are useful to both the radar system designer and the science investigator in establishing operational radar data acquisition parameters which result in the best systems performance for a given set of input conditions.

Jurgens, R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Precipitation and kinematic structure of microburst producing storms

Single Doppler radar techniques are used to study the precipitation and kinematic structure of microburst-producing storms. Radar data collected by NCAR radars during the Joint Airport Weather Studies (JAWS) experiment are presented along with rawinsonde data taken at Denver, Colorado near the times of microburst occurrence. The radar reflectivity and velocity structure of the storms exhibited great variability, with no unique signature indicating a microburst was imminent. Detection of descending divergent flow is probably not a microburst forecasting tool, nor can the presence of rotation be used as a precursor at present. Convergent flow aloft was a prominent feature in all events. Its occurrence with a descending precipitation shaft and/or at high altitudes is a good indicator of a downdraft. It is concluded that convergent flow is a very important microburst forecasting clue, particularly when coupled with the entrainment of Theta(e) air and a dry-adiabatic lapse rate below cloud base.

Roberts, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Relationships between motion on isentropic surfaces from 3-H rawinsonde data and radar echoes

Vertical motion in insentropic surfaces obtained at 3-h intervals conducted on 11 and 12 May, 1974 is related to convection indicated by radar echoes. Temporal and spatial changes in vertical motion are shown and demonstrated to be associated with areas of convection. Large vertical motion was calculated, and it is shown that vertical motion changes as much as 20 cm s (-1) in a horizontal distance of 300 km. The rate of change of vertical motion is demonstrated to be as large a 8 cm s (-1)h(-1) from data taken at 3-h intervals, while data taken at 12-h intervals the same day displayed a maximum rate of change of 2 cm s(-1)n(-1). Radar observations confirmed that the intensity of convection varies as a result of the atmospheric variability as detected by 3-h data but is invisible in data taken at 12-h intervals.

Overall, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1997

AMU NEXRAD Exploitation Task

This report documents the results of the Applied Meteorology Unit's NEXRAD Exploitation Task. The objectives of this task are to determine what radar signatures are present prior to and at the time of convection initiation, and to determine radar signatures which will help distinguish whether the ensuing convection will become severe. Radar data from the WSR-88D radar located at NWS Melbourne (WSR-88D/KMLB) were collected between June and September 1995, and 16 convective case studies were analyzed for which the radar was operating during the entire period of interest. All WSR-88D/KMLB products were scrutinized for their utility in detecting convection initiation and severe storm signatures. Through process of elimination, it was found that the 0.5 deg reflectivity product with the lowest reflectivity values displayed is the best product to monitor for convection initiation signatures. Seven meteorological features associated with the initiation of deep convection were identified: the Merritt Island and Indian River convergence zones, interlake convergence, horizontal convective rolls, the sea breeze, storm outflow boundaries, and fires. Their reflectivity values ranged from -5 to 20 dBZ. Of the three severe weather phenomena (winds greater than or equal to 50 kts, tornado, 3/4 inch hail), high wind events due to microbursts were most common in the data set. It was found that the values and trends of composite reflectivity, vertically integrated liquid, and core aspect ratio were key indicators of the potential of a cell to produce a microburst. The data were not analyzed for the other two severe weather phenomena because they rarely occurred during the data collection period. This report also includes suggestions for new WSR-88D products, summaries of ongoing research aimed at creating new products, and explicit recommended procedures for detecting convection initiation and severe storm signatures in the radar data using the currently available technology.

Lambert, Winifred C.↗