A SYSTEM FOR AIRBORNE MEASUREMENTS OF THE TOTAL HEAT FLOW FROM THE SEA SURFACE,
Abstract
Solar energy (10 to the 21st power calories) is stored during one average day in the top 30 meters of the world's oceans. Its release during a 24 hour cycle depends on wind speed, cloud cover, air temperature and other factors. Where it is released, geographically, the amount and time of release and its transport to other parts of the globe are factors which determine climate (the average condition) and weather (variations from the average). It is thus important to have means of measuring this heat flow from the oceans in order to better understand weather and its long range prediction. The paper reports progress on the development of airborne equipment which for the first time provides direct measurement of this heat flow. The results reported herein establish the feasibility of an infrared optical method. The equipment in its present form can survey 10,000 square miles of sea surface in a 24 hour period. It is possible that similar equipment may be developed for satellite use, but this remains to be demonstrated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0654916
Entities
People
- E. D. Mcalister
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography