Laser Radar Reflectance of Chesapeake Bay Waters as a Function of Wind Speed

Experimental 1.06-μm laser radar data used to establish the feasibility of remotely measuring water-surface wind magnitude and direction were analyzed to determine the average value and dynamic range of an effective Lambertian reflectance of the water surface at normal incidence as a function of wind speed. The laser radar data were obtained from experiments conducted from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Chesapeake Bay Bridge Facility, Annapolis, Maryland. Simultaneous correlation of the collected laser data with the environment was achieved using meteorological instruments. The experimental system, methods of analysis, and results are summarized. Results are compared with theoretical predictions.