scholarly journals Intensity of convective motions in marine atmospheric boundary layer retrieved from ocean surface radar imagery

2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. Mityagina
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Coherent Structures ◽  
Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Radar Images ◽  
Radar Imagery ◽  
Convective Motions ◽  
Atmospheric Motion

Abstract. The paper focuses on the occurrence and development of coherent structures observed in the atmosphere above ocean under natural conditions. Microwave imaging radars are suggested as data take instruments. The phenomena of marine atmospheric cells and rolls onset, horizontal planform, aspect ratio and scaling phenomena are examined. Convective patterns manifested in radar images and information derived on the intensity of atmospheric motion are discussed.

scholarly journals Inference of Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer Moisture and Temperature Structure Using Airborne Lidar and Infrared Radiometer Data

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen P. Palm ◽  
Denise Hagan ◽  
Geary Schwemmer ◽  
S. H. Melfi
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Airborne Lidar ◽  
Temperature Structure ◽  
Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Space Technology ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Surface Moisture ◽  
Infrared Radiometer

Abstract A new technique for retrieving near-surface moisture and profiles of mixing ratio and potential temperature through the depth of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) using airborne lidar and multichannel infrared radiometer data is presented. Data gathered during an extended field campaign over the Atlantic Ocean in support of the Lidar In-space Technology Experiment are used to generate 16 moisture and temperature retrievals that are then compared with dropsonde measurements. The technique utilizes lidar-derived statistics on the height of cumulus clouds that frequently cap the MABL to estimate the lifting condensation level. Combining this information with radiometer-derived sea surface temperature measurements, an estimate of the near-surface moisture can be obtained to an accuracy of about 0.8 g kg−1. Lidar-derived statistics on convective plume height and coverage within the MABL are then used to infer the profiles of potential temperature and moisture with a vertical resolution of 20 m. The rms accuracy of derived MABL average moisture and potential temperature is better than 1 g kg−1 and 1°C, respectively. The method relies on the presence of a cumulus-capped MABL, and it was found that the conditions necessary for use of the technique occurred roughly 75% of the time. The synergy of simple aerosol backscatter lidar and infrared radiometer data also shows promise for the retrieval of MABL moisture and temperature from space.

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