Location
University of Utah
Start Date
5-13-2002 9:30 AM
Description
Accurately measuring winds over the surface of the ocean is necessary for improving understanding of the global climate. Sea Winds, a satellite scatterometer, is designed for this purpose. Since its launch it has provided accurate and frequent estimates of near-ocean winds. Due to its success, desires to increase the utility of the data have emerged. These desires, though possible, require performance beyond designed specifications. Additional calibration of the instrument is able to improve instrument performance, allowing development of these emerging applications. Applications include high resolution wind measurement, enhanced resolution imaging, monitoring rain forest destruction, and tracking icebergs and polar ice formation. Improved calibration not only benefits current instruments, but will aid future instruments as well.
Increased Utility of Sea Winds Through Enhanced Calibration
University of Utah
Accurately measuring winds over the surface of the ocean is necessary for improving understanding of the global climate. Sea Winds, a satellite scatterometer, is designed for this purpose. Since its launch it has provided accurate and frequent estimates of near-ocean winds. Due to its success, desires to increase the utility of the data have emerged. These desires, though possible, require performance beyond designed specifications. Additional calibration of the instrument is able to improve instrument performance, allowing development of these emerging applications. Applications include high resolution wind measurement, enhanced resolution imaging, monitoring rain forest destruction, and tracking icebergs and polar ice formation. Improved calibration not only benefits current instruments, but will aid future instruments as well.