Air-sea fluxes from satellite sensors: calibration, time, space, and scale transitions

Gad Levy

doi:10.1117/12.411702

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22 December 2000 Air-sea fluxes from satellite sensors: calibration, time, space, and scale transitions

Gad Levy

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Proceedings Volume 4172, Remote Sensing of the Ocean and Sea Ice 2000; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.411702
Event: Europto Remote Sensing, 2000, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

A number of spaceborne microwave sensors have been launched in the last decade, significantly increasing the quantity and quality of observations over the oceans that can be used to study air-sea interactions. These observations, when combined with conventional in-situ observations and model output, can be used to improve air-sea flux estimates and for model initialization and parameterization. However, because of the different characteristics, sampling frequency and resolution, and sensor accuracy, the calibration of satellite observations against in-situ observations is discussed. Special attention is paid to time, space, and scale transitions, and to formulating a velocity scale for use in large scale models. Specifically, the paper reviews recent observational and modeling studies that show that a considerable subgrid air-sea flux may be generated by directional variability in the near surface wind field. It then describes: (i) temporal-spatial conversion methods that allow proper calibration of satellite observations against in-situ data and synergistic use of heterogeneous data sets for estimating flux enhancement; and (ii) resolution dependent velocity scale terms that can be formulated from scatterometer observations and incorporate in General Circulation Models bulk formulas.

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Gad Levy "Air-sea fluxes from satellite sensors: calibration, time, space, and scale transitions", Proc. SPIE 4172, Remote Sensing of the Ocean and Sea Ice 2000, (22 December 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.411702

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