An Accuracy Goal for a Comprehensive Satellite Wind Measuring System

Norman A. Phillips National Meteorological Center, NOAA, Washington, DC 20233

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Abstract

Variational analysis with a geostrophic constraint is used to estimate a critical accuracy for a satellite lidar wind measuring system. This accuracy is such that the combination of satellite winds with satellite temperatures can produce analyses with an accuracy equal to that obtained from a rawinsonde network. An important assumption allowing this estimate to be made is that the satellite wind and temperature measurements are made with a spatial density equal to that of the rawinsonde network.

Abstract

Variational analysis with a geostrophic constraint is used to estimate a critical accuracy for a satellite lidar wind measuring system. This accuracy is such that the combination of satellite winds with satellite temperatures can produce analyses with an accuracy equal to that obtained from a rawinsonde network. An important assumption allowing this estimate to be made is that the satellite wind and temperature measurements are made with a spatial density equal to that of the rawinsonde network.

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