Utilization of the SEASAT Scatterometer winds for ocean mixed layer modeling

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Coolbaugh, Eric J.
Subjects
Ocean mixed layer modeling
SEASAT Scatterometer
SASS and FNOC wind comparison
SASS wind utilization
Advisors
Garwood, Roland W., Jr.
Date of Issue
1984-12
Date
December 1984
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
A study is made of the feasibility of using SEASAT Scatterometer wind measurement as the surface wind stress forcing for an ocean mixed layer model. Comparisons are made of daily SASS and FNOC winds and the respective mixed layer model results on a 2 degree latitude by 5 degree longitude grid from Jul 15 to August 15, 1978 in the Anomaly Dynamics Study region of the North Pacific Ocean. The direct comparison of the SASS and FNOC wind fields showed good agreement. Cases of reduced pattern correlation between the SASS and FNOC winds appear to result from periods of low percentage coverage by the SASS wind fields and the difference in spatial resolution between the SASS and FNOC winds. The results of the model comparison of the wind fields show the model's high sensitivity to the accuracy of its wind speed boundary condition. Nevertheless, the SASS and FNOC winds gave similar model results, demonstrating the potential of scatterometer wind speed measurements for use with future ocean mixed layer model prediction.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
Collections