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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 433 records · Page 24
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NASA NTRS1986

Satellite techniques for determining the geopotential of sea surface elevations

Spaceborne altimetry with measurement accuracies of a few centimeters which has the potential to determine sea surface elevations necessary to compute accurate three-dimensional geostrophic currents from traditional hydrographic observation is discussed. The limitation in this approach is the uncertainties in knowledge of the global and ocean geopotentials which produce satellite and height uncertainties about an order of magnitude larger than the goal of about 10 cm. The quantitative effects of geopotential uncertainties on processing altimetry data are described. Potential near term improvements, not requiring additional spacecraft, are discussed. Even though there is substantial improvements at the longer wavelengths, the oceanographic goal will be achieved. The geopotential research mission (GRM) is described which should produce geopotential models that are capable of defining the ocean geoid to 10 cm and near-earth satellite position. The state of the art and the potential of spaceborne gravimetry is described as an alternative approach to improve our knowledge of the geopotential.

Pisacane, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Undersea volcano production versus lithospheric strength from satellite altimetry

All seamount signatures apparent in the SEASAT altimeter profiles were located and digitized. In addition to locating the seamount signatures, their amplitudes were also estimated. The second phase consisted of determining what basic characteristics of a seamount can be extracted from a single vertical deflection profile. Seven seamounts that had both good bathymetric coverage and good satellite altimeter coverage were used to test a simple flexural model. A method was developed to combine satellite altimeter profiles from several different satellites to construct a detailed and accurate geoid.

Tapley, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Improvement of the Earth's gravity field from terrestrial and satellite data

The terrestrial gravity data base was updated. Studies related to the Geopotential Research Mission (GRM) have primarily considered the local recovery of gravity anomalies on the surface of the Earth based on satellite to satellite tracking or gradiometer data. A simulation study was used to estimate the accuracy of 1 degree-mean anomalies which could be recovered from the GRM data. Numerous procedures were developed for the intent of performing computations at the laser stations in the SL6 system to improve geoid undulation calculations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Spherical harmonic expansions of the Earth's gravitational potential to degree 360 using 30' mean anomalies

Two potential coefficient fields that are complete to degree and order 360 have been computed. One field (OSU86E) excludes geophysically predicted anomalies while the other (OSU86F) includes such anomalies. These fields were computed using a set of 30' mean gravity anomalies derived from satellite altimetry in the ocean areas and from land measurements in North America, Europe, Australia, Japan and a few other areas. Where no 30' data existed, 1 deg x 1 deg mean anomaly estimates were used if available. No rigorous combination of satellite and terrestrial data was carried out. Instead advantage was taken of the adjusted anomalies and potential coefficients from a rigorous combination of the GEML2' potential coefficient set and 1 deg x 1 deg mean gravity anomalies. The two new fields were computed using a quadrature procedure with de-smoothing factors. The spectra of the new fields agree well with the spectra of the fields with 1 deg x 1 deg data out to degree 180. Above degree 180 the new fields have more power. The fields have been tested through comparison of Doppler station geoid undulations with undulations from various geopotential models. The agreement between the two types of undulations is approximately + or - 1.6 m. The use of a 360 field over a 180 field does not significantly improve the comparison. Instead it allows the comparison to be done at some stations where high frequency effects are important. In addition maps made in areas of high frequency information (such as trench areas) clearly reveal the signal in the new fields from degree 181 to 360.

Rapp, Richard H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Large scale topography of Io

To investigate the large scale topography of the Jovian satellite Io, both limb observations and stereographic techniques applied to landmarks are used. The raw data for this study consists of Voyager 1 images of Io, 800x800 arrays of picture elements each of which can take on 256 possible brightness values. In analyzing this data it was necessary to identify and locate landmarks and limb points on the raw images, remove the image distortions caused by the camera electronics and translate the corrected locations into positions relative to a reference geoid. Minimizing the uncertainty in the corrected locations is crucial to the success of this project. In the highest resolution frames, an error of a tenth of a pixel in image space location can lead to a 300 m error in true location. In the lowest resolution frames, the same error can lead to an uncertainty of several km.

Gaskell, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Mechanisms of crustal deformation in the western US

The deformation processes in the western United States were studied, considering both deterministic models and random or statistical models. The role of the intracrustal delamination and mechanisms of crustal thinning were also examined. The application of fractal techniques to understand how the crust is deforming was studied in complex regions. Work continued on the development of a fractal based model for deformation in the western United States. Fractal studies were also extended to the study of topography and the geoid.

Turcotte, Donald L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Comments on Lambeck and Coleman - 'The earth's shape and gravity field: A report of progress from 1958 to 1982'

The accuracy and validation of global gravity models based on satellite data are discussed, responding to the statistical analysis of Lambeck and Coleman (1983) (LC). Included are an evaluation of the LC error spectra, a summary of independent-observation calibrations of the error estimates of the Goddard Earth Models (GEM) 9 and L2 (Lerch et al., 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1985), a comparison of GEM-L2 with GRIM-3B (Reigber et al., 1983), a comparison of recent models with LAGEOS laser ranging, and a summary of resonant-orbit model tests. It is concluded that the accuracy of GEMs 9, 10, and L2 is much higher than claimed by LC, that the GEMs are in good agreement with independent observations and with GRIM-3B, and that the GEM calibrations were adequate. In a reply by LC, a number of specific questions regarding the error estimates are addressed, and it is pointed out that the intermodel discrepancies of the greatest geophysical interest are those in the higher-order coefficients, not discussed in the present comment. It is argued that the differences among the geoid heights of even the most recent models are large enough to call for considerable improvements.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Accurate measurement of mean sea level changes by altimetric satellites

A technique for monitoring changes in global mean sea levels using altimeter data from a well-tracked satellite is examined. The usefulness of this technique is evaluated by analyzing Seasat altimeter data obtained during July-September 1978. The effects of orbit errors, geoid errors, sampling intervals, tides, and atmosphere refraction on the calculation of the mean sea level are investigated. The data reveal that the stability of an altimeter can be determined with an accuracy of + or - 7 cm using globally averaged sea surface height measurements. The application of this procedure to the US/French Ocean Topography Experiment is discussed.

Born, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Biharmonic spline interpolation of GEOS-3 and Seasat altimeter data

An algorithm is presented for determining the minimum curvature surface passing through a set of nonuniformly spaced data points. The curve is generated as a linear combination of Green functions for the biharmonic operator at each data point, with the amplitudes of the functions adjusted so that the interpolating surfaces passes through each point. The function passing through the points can be regarded as a spline to which point forces are applied, defining the minimum curvature between the points. The technique was used to combine the along track slopes of the GEOS-3 and Seasat altimeter data into a consistent geoid height map of the Caribbean area, covering 0.5 million data points in the process. Sample images are provided and new topographic features that are revealed are discussed.

Sandwell, David T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 17th, Houston, TX, Mar. 17-21, 1986, Proceedings. Part 2

The topics discussed in this volume include lunar endogenic rocks and processes; lunar regoliths and breccias; the terrestrial planets; shergottites; primitive materials, exposure, and atmospheres; and impacts and crater tectonics. Papers are presented on the petrology and geochemistry of alkali gabbronorites from lunar breccia 67975; the formation of Apollo 17 orange and black glass beads; mixing levels, the Apennine Front soil component, and compositional trends in the Apollo 15 soils; the meteorite component of Apollo 16 noritic impact melt breccias; and constraints on the lithospheric structure of Venus from mechanical models and tectonic surface features. Consideration is also given to a fractal interpretation of topography and geoid spectra on the earth, moon, Venus, and Mars; rare earth patterns in shergottite phosphates and residues; nuclide production by primary cosmic-ray protons; gas chromatographic instrumentation for the analysis of aerosols and gases in Titan's atmosphere; and finite-element models of non-Newtonian crater relaxation.

Ryder, Graham↗
NASA NTRS1987

A post-processing system for automated rectification and registration of spaceborne SAR imagery

An automated post-processing system has been developed that interfaces with the raw image output of the operational digital SAR correlator. This system is designed for optimal efficiency by using advanced signal processing hardware and an algorithm that requires no operator interaction, such as the determination of ground control points. The standard output is a geocoded image product (i.e. resampled to a specified map projection). The system is capable of producing multiframe mosaics for large-scale mapping by combining images in both the along-track direction and adjacent cross-track swaths from ascending and descending passes over the same target area. The output products have absolute location uncertainty of less than 50 m and relative distortion (scale factor and skew) of less than 0.1 per cent relative to local variations from the assumed geoid.

Curlander, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The effect of a shallow low viscosity zone on the apparent compensation of midplate swells

A model for midplate swells is assumed where the swell topography is dynamically maintained by convection beneath a conducting lid. Using an idealized viscosity structure consisting of a low viscosity layer underneath the lid and overlying a constant viscosity region, the effect of the low viscosities, the layer thickness, and the Rayleigh number on the flow and on the inference of a compensation mechanism from the associated gravity, geoid, and topography anomalies is investigated. The calculations show that a simple plume model with stratified viscosity variations of less than two orders of magnitude near the surface can produce the range of depths of compensation seen at midplate swells. Shallow depths of compensation, therefore, cannot be used to argue against dynamic models for the formation of hot spot swells.

Robinson, Elizabeth M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Gravity model development for precise orbit computations for satellite altimetry

Two preliminary gravity models developed as a first step in reaching the TOPEX/Poseidon modeling goals are discussed. They were obtained by NASA-Goddard from an analysis of exclusively satellite tracking observations. With the new Preliminary Gravity Solution-T2 model, an improved global estimate of the field is achieved with an improved description of the geoid.

Marsh, James G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Consequences of experimental transient rheology

Recent analyses of transient creep data for lower crustal and upper mantle substances are used to constrain the viscosity contrast across the 670 km discontinuity, and a 4-layer earth model in which both upper and lower mantles are described by a Burgers body rheology is assumed. Results indicate that the previously inferred viscosity variations would be reduced by a factor of ten using the new transient models. This result is in agreement with a revised viscosity estimate based on long-wavelength geoid anomalies and seismic tomography. Time-dependent perturbations to the gravity field from recent ice movements are shown to be significant.

Sabadini, Roberto↗
NASA NTRS1988

Application of acoustic-Doppler current profiler and expendable bathythermograph measurements to the study of the velocity structure and transport of the Gulf Stream

The degree to which Acoustic-Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and expendable bathythermograph (XBT) data can provide quantitative measurements of the velocity structure and transport of the Gulf Stream is addressed. An algorithm is used to generate salinity from temperature and depth using an historical Temperature/Salinity relation for the NW Atlantic. Results have been simulated using CTD data and comparing real and pseudo salinity files. Errors are typically less than 2 dynamic cm for the upper 800 m out of a total signal of 80 cm (across the Gulf Stream). When combined with ADCP data for a near-surface reference velocity, transport errors in isopycnal layers are less than about 1 Sv (10 to the 6th power cu m/s), as is the difference in total transport for the upper 800 m between real and pseudo data. The method is capable of measuring the real variability of the Gulf Stream, and when combined with altimeter data, can provide estimates of the geoid slope with oceanic errors of a few parts in 10 to the 8th power over horizontal scales of 500 km.

Joyce, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Intraplate deformation, stress in the lithosphere and the driving mechanism for plate motions

During this period work was carried out on three fronts relevant to the understanding of intraplate deformation, stress in the lithosphere, and the driving mechanisms for plate motions: (1) observational constraints, using GPS geodesy on the deformation in the region of the boundry between the Pacific and North American plates in central and southern California; (2) numerical modeling of the effects of temperature dependent lithospheric viscosity on the stress and strain history of extensional regimes; and (3) improvement of estimates of mantle viscosity variation, the long-wave-length density variations in the mantle, and the topography of the core-mantel boundary from modeling of geoid anomalies, nutation, and changes in length of day. These projects are described in more detail, followed by a discussion of meetings attended and a list of abstracts and papers submitted and/or published.

Hager, Bradford H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Physical processes in the growth of the continental crust

Major mechanisms of crustal addition are volcanism and plutonism at plate boundaries and within plate interiors. One approach to deciding if island arc magmatism dominated ancient crustal growth is to assess the rate at which the process has operated in the recent past. The localized addition rates were found to be comparable to present day global rates. One physical observable that was used to constrain models of crustal growth is sea level. A simple physical model was developed to explore the consequences of constant freeboard (the height of the continents above sea level). Global geoid and sea floor topography data were used to identify and study oceanic plateaus and swells that have either continental crustal roots or anomalously thick ocean crusts.

Schubert, G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Advances in terrestrial physics research at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Some past, current, and future terrestrial physics research activities at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center are described. The uses of satellites and sensors, such as Tiros, Landsat, Nimbus, and SMMR, for terrestrial physics research are discussed. The spaceborne data are applicable for monitoring and studying vegetation, snow, and ice dynamics; geological features; soil moisture; water resources; the geoid of the earth; and the earth's magnetic field. Consideration is given to improvements in remote sensing systems and data records and the Earth Observing System sensor concepts.

Salomonson, Vincent V.↗