Space-based application of Doppler Wind Lidar (DWL) technology is without heritage, thus, optimal design of DWL systems for space deployment must rely upon computer model studies. These model studies include efforts with DWL performance models, atmospheric circulation models and atmospheric optical models (Atlas and Emmitt, 1995; Emmitt, 1995a; Emmitt and Wood, 1996; Wood et al., 1993; Wood et al., 1995).
The steps between a notional concept for a DWL and the blueprints for instrument construction include a considerable amount of performance modeling and, for space-based systems, an intensive series of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs). During and subsequent to the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) study (Baker et al., 1995), a method for assessing the potential impact of a new DWL observing system was established. The instrument parameters are provided by the engineering community, a scanning or sampling strategy is requested by the science community, the "Nature Run" is provided by a weather prediction center (e.g. ECMWF), the realism of the "Nature Run" is assessed by a second group of analysts, a series of pre-OSSE instrument performance simulations are conducted using the "Nature Run" as input, a candidate(s) DWL concept is then chosen for a full OSSE, and an impact study is then conducted and evaluated by a technology neutral group.
SWA is tasked to provide instrument performance simulations for both direct and coherent detection DWLs and to provide simulated data sets for use in OSSEs. In particular, SWA intends to provide data sets for the following experiments:
The OSSEs mentioned above are funded by the IPO and conducted at NOAA/NCEP.
Due to the potentially large volume of data that can be generated by simulating Space-based DWL, SWA has proposed a revised plan for conducting bracketing OSSEs.
SWA Simulation Notebook
| This page managed by Sidney A. Wood | Last modified: 9 Sept 1999 |