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Results for “space-based lidar”

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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Clear line of sight (CLOS) statistics within cloudy regions and optimal sampling strategies for space-based lidars

Simulated cloud/hole fields as well as Landsat imagery are used in a computer model to evaluate several proposed sampling patterns and shot management schemes for pulsed space-based Doppler lidars. Emphasis is placed on two proposed sampling strategies - one obtained from a conically scanned single telescope and the other from four fixed telescopes that are sequentially used by one laser. The question of whether there are any sampling patterns that maximize the number of resolution areas with vertical soundings to the PBL is addressed.

Emmitt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Multiple scattering effects on spaceborne lidar

A semianalytic Monte Carlo code originally developed for oceanographic calculations (Poole et al., 1981) has been modified for use in studying multiple scattering of space-based lidar. The approach is very similar to that described by Kunkel and Weinman (1976). The trajectory of each photon is followed from the transmitter through multiple scattering until the photon is either scattered backward out of the atmosphere, scattered forward into the ground and absorbed, or scattered out the sides of the cloud. The probability that the photon will return directly to the detector is computed and summed over all significant scattering events within the field of view of the detector. Multiple scattering of the lidar pulse causes an apparent increase in the transmittance of the medium. Multiple scattering effects for space-based lidar are more significant than for ground-based lidar due to the much larger beam diameter in the atmosphere. These larger diameters are due not only to the greater range between the lidar and the scattering volume, but also the need to maintain relatively large beam divergences to satisfy eye safety restrictions on the laser irradiance at the Earth's surface. The simulations presented here are for a wavelength of 1064 nm and the Deirmendjian C1 phase function, which yields an extinction coefficient of 17.259/km. We have looked at two cases: a space-based lidar at 296 km observing a C1 cloud 293 km from the lidar and, for comparison purposes, a ground-based lidar looking at a C1 cloud with a base height of either 2 km or 5 km. The C1 size distribution roughly approximates that of stratocumulus or altocumulus clouds (aufm Kampe and Weickmann, 1957).

Winker, David M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Optimal nadir scan angle for a space-based Doppler lidar wind sounder

A Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder computer simulation model was used to conduct a series of trades between scan angle and accuracy/coverage to determine the optimal scan angle for a space-based Doppler lidar wind sounder. Attention is given to vertical backscatter profiles, advanced signal processing, pulse length, shot density, and vertical velocity variance. The LOS speed uncertainty (m/s) projected into the horizontal plane as a function of the nadir scan angle for a single laser shot into the upper troposphere and lowest 1 km of the earth's atmosphere for expected backscatter values is shown.

Emmitt, George D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Multiscale modeling to evaluate proposed space-based Doppler lidar sampling strategies

A proposal has been made to place a pulsed Doppler lidar on a space platform (Huffaker, et al., 1980; Emmitt, 1982) in a low earth orbit (200 to 800 km) to measure the atmospheric winds with a spatial resolution commensurate with the current continental rawinsonde network density - i.e., 300 to 500 km resolution. In the case of the space-based doppler lidar, the full range of space scales applies. Single shot pulses with dimensions of 10 x 1000 meters are used to sample areas 100,000 x 100,000 meters to resolved mass flow structure with wavelength of 1 million meters. Simulation studies, therefore, require an equally broad range of atmospheric models. A general circulation model is appropriate to answer questions regarding the impact of a global wind measuring system upon synoptic forecasts. Since the nominal resolution of the spacebased system is expected to be a few 100's of kilometers, then a numerical model with mesoscale dynamics is required. The meaning of an average Doppler shift within a laser pulse volume must be evaluated with models of turbulent/convective scale motions and aerosol gradients. Examples of how models on all these scales have been applied in an ongoing simulation study are presented. In particular, the uncertainties in a mesoscale wind estimate are separated into those arising from pulse scale variances and those due to sample distribution within a prescribed resolution volume. Trade-offs between accuracy and representativeness are discussed in terms of the model results.

Emmitt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Assessment of measurement error due to sampling perspective in the space-based Doppler lidar wind profiler

A Multipair Algorithm (MPA) has been developed to minimize the contribution of the sampling error in the simulated Doppler lidar wind profiler measurements (due to angular and spatial separation between shots in a shot pair) to the total measurement uncertainty. Idealized wind fields are used as input to the profiling model, and radial wind estimates are passed through the MPA to yield a wind measurement for 300 x 300 sq km areas. The derived divergence fields illustrate the gradient patterns that are particular to the Doppler lidar sampling strategy and perspective.

Houston, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Constraints on resolving meso-alpha and meso-beta phenomena using a space-based Doppler lidar wind profiler

Lidar shot management and wind computation algorithms are used to determine the constraints on resolving mesoscale (alpha and beta) wind fields. Examples of simulated Doppler lidar performance in resolving wind gradient features are presented using currently proposed scan and signal processing parameters, and GCM model outputs are used as input wind fields. Results indicate that with the present constraints on lidar lifetime, scan rates, and orbit altitudes, the limits of mesoscale wind feature resolution are close to wavelengths of 100 km.

Emmitt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Simulated space-based Doppler lidar performance in regions of backscatter inhomogeneities

The prospect of obtaining directly measured winds on a global scale has raised questions about the expected quality of the lidar wind measurements and the potential for biases due to sampling patterns and line-of-sight impediments. Extensive computer simulations are ongoing to address these and other issues. One source of measurement bias is found in regions of the atmosphere where gradients in both lidar backscatter and the winds occur together. The potential biases that result are identified and their magnitudes estimated.

Emmitt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space-based Doppler lidar sampling strategies: Algorithm development and simulated observation experiments

Lidar Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) Simulation Models (LSM) were developed to evaluate the potential impact of global wind observations on the basic understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and on the predictive skills of current forecast models (GCM and regional scale). Fully integrated top to bottom LAWS Simulation Models for global and regional scale simulations were developed. The algorithm development incorporated the effects of aerosols, water vapor, clouds, terrain, and atmospheric turbulence into the models. Other additions include a new satellite orbiter, signal processor, line of sight uncertainty model, new Multi-Paired Algorithm and wind error analysis code. An atmospheric wind field library containing control fields, meteorological fields, phenomena fields, and new European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) data was also added. The LSM was used to address some key LAWS issues and trades such as accuracy and interpretation of LAWS information, data density, signal strength, cloud obscuration, and temporal data resolution.

Emmitt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Future applications of solid-state lasers for space remote sensing

This paper describes the Laser Atmospheric Sounder and Altimetry (LASA) and the Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE) projects, both of which will use solid-state lasers for remote sensing. LASA will provide long-term global measurements of aerosols and clouds in the earth's atmosphere. The LITE project is designed to demonstrate the first use of a lidar system in space, proving the technology required for future space-based lidar facilities such as LASA. A Shuttle flight experiment is currently being developed to enhance the technology and to formulate the design of the solid-state lidar system. Design diagrams of LITE and LASA facilities and their subsystems are presented.

Cox, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Results of an observing system simulation experiment based on the proposed Windsat instrument

Two fraternal twin experiments were conducted as part of this study. A data impact experiment using real data (runs 1 and 2) was conducted to assess the impact that rawin wind observations have on both a 5-day assimilation and a single 5-day forecast generated at the end of each assimilation. An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) using simulated observations (runs 3, 4, and 5) was conducted in order to first calibrate the OSSE results and second to use this calibration to estimate the 'real world' impact from the contribution of global 3-dimensional wind profiles generated from a space-based lidar system known as Windsat. Each of the three runs in the seond experiment were also 5-day assimilation runs with a 5-day forecast initialized from the last 6-hour update cycle of the assimilation. The data impact study revealed a consistent positive impact when rawin winds were added back into an otherwise complete FGGE data set. Both the 6-hour and 5-day forecasts were improved at all levels, in both hemispheres, and for both the wind and the geopotential height fields. Similar results were obtained from the two parallel simulation runs, 3 and 4. Together with the results from runs 1 and 2, calibration coefficients were generated so as to 'correct' the results determined from the addition of Windsat winds (run 5). The Windsat simulation showed a positive improvement in all cases studied. Even though only the tropics were enhanced with these wind observations, hemispheric rms errors were decreased in both the assimilation and 5-day forecast. The 6-hour forecasts of zonal wind from the assimilation run were improved by as much as 50 pct. on the average, and the single forecast showed an average improvement of near 30 pct. Even though these calibrated values are considered too optimistic, the skill of the forecast generated from this run extended the useful forecast period by 18-24 hours.

Arnold, Charles P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Laser applications in meteorology and earth and atmospheric remote sensing; Proceedings of the Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 16-18, 1989

Various papers on laser applications in meteorology and earth and atmospheric remote sensing are presented. The individual topics addressed include: solid state lasers for the mid-IR region, tunable chromium lasers, GaInAsSb/AlGaAsSb injection lasers for remote sensing applications, development and design of an airborne autonomous wavemeter for laser tuning, fabrication of lightweight Si/SiC lidar mirrors, low-cost double heterostructure and quantum-well laser array development, nonlinear optical processes for the mid-IR region, simulated space-based Doppler lidar performance in regions of backscatter inhomogeneities, design of CO2 recombination catalysts for closed-cycle CO2 lasers, density measurements with combined Raman-Rayleigh lidar, geodynamics applications of spaceborne laser ranging, use of aircraft laser ranging data for forest mensuration, remote active spectrometer, multiwavelngth and triple CO2 lidars for trace gas detection, analysis of laser diagnostics in plumes, laser atmospheric wind sounder, compact Doppler lidar system using commercial off-the-shelf components, and preliminary design for a laser atmospheric wind sounder.

Sokoloski, Martin M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Mapping global winds with satellite borne Doppler lidar - A plan

The application of the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder to the EOS and Space Station is proposed. The use of pulsed, CO2 Doppler lidar to measure wind is described. The design requirements for a Doppler lidar operating in space, and the need to study the global distribution of naturally occurring atmospheric aerosols are discussed. The space-based Doppler lidar wind data will be useful for improving the skill of numerical weather predictions, for studying large-scale atmospheric circulation and climate dynamics, and for analyzing global biogeochemical and hydrological cycles.

Fitzjarrald, D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Application of a microprocessor controlled lidar to tropospheric ozone measurements

A microprocessor controlled lidar system under construction at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is described and the problems in making space-based measurements of tropospheric ozone are considered. The differential absorption lidar using a dual wavelength, pulsed CO2 laser and direct detection receiver can significantly improve the existing global data base on tropospheric ozone burden. Sensitivity to tropospheric ozone can be obtained in the spaceborne version of lidar by selecting laser lines located in the wings of the target zone lines. Simulation studies using various laser line pairs in the P-branch of the CO2 9.4 micron band show that the ozone burden retrieval may be weighted to particular altitude regions. These simulation studies are based on numerical integration of differences in absorption coefficient at the two selected laser wavelengths using the AFGL absorption line parameter compilations, U.S. Standard Atmosphere ozone profile, and laser software. Simulation, data collection and reduction are performed by a microprocessor subsystem of the CO2 lidar.

Stewart, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Differential absorption lidar measurements of atmospheric temperature and pressure profiles

The theory and methodology of using differential absorption lidar techniques for the remote measurement of atmospheric pressure profiles, surface pressure, and temperature profiles from ground, air, and space-based platforms are presented. Pressure measurements are effected by means of high resolution measurement of absorption at the edges of the oxygen A band lines where absorption is pressure dependent due to collisional line broadening. Temperature is assessed using measurements of the absorption at the center of the oxygen A band line originating from a quantum state with high ground state energy. The population of the state is temperature dependent, allowing determination of the temperature through the Boltzmann term. The results of simulations of the techniques using Voigt profile and variational analysis are reported for ground-based, airborne, and Shuttle-based systems. Accuracies in the 0.5-1.0 K and 0.1-0.3% range are projected.

Korb, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Coherent lidar wind measurements from the Space Station base using 1.5 m all-reflective optics

This paper discusses the space-based measurement of atmospheric winds from the point of view of the requirements of the optical system of a coherent CO2 lidar. A brief description of the measurement technique is given and a discussion of previous study results provided. The telescope requirements for a Space Station based lidar are arrived at through discussions of the desired system sensitivity and the need for lag angle compensation.

Bilbro, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Remote measurement of tropospheric ozone

It is shown that a differential absorption lidar employing a pulsed CO2 laser and a direct detection receiver is capable of significantly improving the existing data base on the tropospheric ozone burden. As a ground-based system, the lidar could obtain urban to regional scale O3 measurements with a vertical or horizontal resolution of at least 1 km in the troposphere. As a space-based system, it could obtain global scale coverage of the O3 burden below the stratospheric maximum of O3.

Bufton, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Simulation studies of the impact of advanced observing systems on numerical weather prediction

To study the potential impact of advanced passive sounders and lidar temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind observing systems on large-scale numerical weather prediction, a series of realistic simulation studies between the European Center for medium-range weather forecasts, the National Meteorological Center, and the Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences is conducted. The project attempts to avoid the unrealistic character of earlier simulation studies. The previous simulation studies and real-data impact tests are reviewed and the design of the current simulation system is described. Consideration is given to the simulation of observations of space-based sounding systems.

Atlas, R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Use of Satellite, Surface Observations and Numerical Weather Prediction Model Data to Improve Cloud Base Height and Cloud Base Vertical Velocity Estimation

Cloud base height (CBH) and cloud base vertical velocity (CBVV) are important variables that impact the overall climate in a region as they influence the formulation, longevity, and evolution of clouds. Retrieval of both parameters have long used ground instrumentation (e.g., Doppler lidar (DL), ground base radar); however, retrieving CBH from satellites is particularly challenging given that space-based instruments only observe cloud tops. In this manuscript, CBH is retrieved using a multi-linear regression equation, while CBVV used a random forests model. Both retrievals combine satellite and numerical weather prediction data. The satellite data used are the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite imagery, while measurements of CBH and CBVV include DL and radiosonde data at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement observatory. Data from 83 summer days (May-August) in 2018–2021 featuring cumulus clouds forced by solar heating were examined and used to train the models, with years 2022–2023 used for validation. Various spatial domains were defined with one large (2.4° longitude by 2.0° latitude) SGP domain being split into smaller sections (smallest being 0.99° and 0.61° longitude and latitude respectably). CBH and CBVV values obtained from the DL as compared to the models show root mean square errors between 150 and 200 m, with CBVV values between 0.45 and 1 ms -1 . Finally, it was found that the CBH formulation performs well over all domains, while the CBVV retrievals become less accurate due to more turbulence being introduced into the observations as the number of DL stations decreases in the smaller domains.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗