Engineering topics

Lhermitte, R. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Lhermitte, R. M..

5 records

NASA NTRS1981

Ground-truth measurement systems

Ground-truth measurements of precipitation and related weather events are an essential component of any satellite system designed for monitoring rainfall from space. Such measurements are required for testing, evaluation, and operations; they provide detailed information on the actual weather events, which can then be compared with satellite observations intended to provide both quantitative and qualitative information about them. Also, very comprehensive ground-truth observations should lead to a better understanding of precipitation fields and their relationships to satellite data. This process serves two very important functions: (a) aiding in the development and interpretation of schemes of analyzing satellite data, and (b) providing a continuing method for verifying satellite measurements.

Serafin, R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Spaceborne radar

The spaceborne radar panel considered how radar could be used to measure precipitation from satellites. The emphasis was on how radar could be used with radiometry (at microwave, visible (VIS), and infrared (IR) wavelengths) to reduce the uncertainties of measuring precipitation with radiometry alone. In addition, the fundamental electromagnetic interactions involved in the measurements were discussed to determine the key work areas for research and development to produce effective instruments. Various approaches to implementing radar systems on satellites were considered for both shared and dedicated instruments. Finally, a research and development strategy was proposed for establishing the parametric relations and retrieval algorithms required for extracting precipitation information from the radar and associated radiometric data.

Moore, R. K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Satellite borne dual millimetric wave length radar

The failure of attempts to accurately measure precipitation by using a single quality that is used to deduce the desired precipitation parameter through a derived relationship is discussed. A number of dual measurement techniques for the accurate determination of instantaneous rainfall rates from space are proposed. It is concluded that dual measurement techniques show high promise for measuring precipitation parameters with greater accuracy than that which was possible in the past.

Lhermitte, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Doppler radar observation of thunderstorm circulation in the 1977 trip program

Storm data obtained on August 1, 1977 are examined in an attempt to interpret the relationship between lightning occurrence and the thunderstorm inner dynamics and precipitation processes. Horizontal maps are presented which indicated the position of radiation sources detected by the Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) network, together with the horizontal motion fields and radar reflectivity data. Detailed inspection of these fields showed that, although radiation sources are found in the vicinity of precipitation cells, they are not located in the heavy precipitation areas, but rather on their rear side in regions where the configuration of the wind fields suggests the presence of updrafts.

Lhermitte, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1969

Atmospheric probing by Doppler radar

A survey is presented of the application of Doppler techniques to the study of atmospheric phenomena. Particular emphasis is placed on the requirement of adequate digital processing means for the Doppler signal and the Doppler data which are acquired at a very high rate. The need is discussed of a two or three Doppler method as an ultimate approach to the problem of observing the three-dimensional field of particle motion inside convective storms.

Lhermitte, R. M.↗