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Average Path Profile of Atmospheric Temperature and Humidity Structure Parameters from a Microwave Profiling RadiometerThe values of the key atmospheric turbulence parameters (structure constants) for temperature and water vapor, that is, C(exp 2)(sub T), and C(exp 2)(sub Q), are highly dependent upon the vertical height within the atmosphere thus making it necessary to specify profiles of these values along the atmospheric propagation path. The remote sensing method suggested and described in this work makes use of a rapidly integrating microwave profiling radiometer to capture profiles of temperature and humidity through the atmosphere. The integration times of currently available profiling radiometers are such that they are approaching the temporal intervals over which one can possibly make meaningful assessments of these key atmospheric parameters. These integration times, coupled with the boundary effects of the Earth’s surface are, however, unconventional for turbulence characterization; the classical Kolmogorov turbulence theory and related 2/3 law for structure functions prevalent in the inertial subrange are no longer appropriate. An alternative to this classical approach is derived from first principles to account for the nuances of turbulent mechanics met with using radiometer sensing, that is, the large-scale turbulence driven by the various possible boundary conditions within the buoyancy subrange. Analytical expressions connecting the measured structure functions to the corresponding structure parameters are obtained. The theory is then applied to an experimental scenario involving radiometric profile measurements of temperature and shows very good results.
Document ID
20190033078
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Publication (TP)
Authors
Manning, Robert M. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
November 18, 2019
Publication Date
November 1, 2019
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TP—2019-220300
GRC-E-DAA-TN68884
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 613673.02.04.03
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
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