Fluxes Based on Non-Traditional Wind Products

Remotely 'sensed' wind-related products are not always winds.

· Scatterometers derive equivalent neutral winds (Tang and Liu 1996; Verschell et al. 1999 JGR)

· Usually within 0.5 m s-1 of winds

· Differences are a systematic function of atmospheric stratification.

· Ku-Band scatterometers can also derive kinematic stresses or friction velocities (Weissman and Graber 1999 JGR)

· Bypasses the need to consider sea state.

The BVW flux model allows a wide range of inputs:

Param.

Physical Value

0

Wind speed

1

Friction velocity (magnitude)

2

Surface wind stress (magnitude)

3

Equivalent neutral wind speed