Retrieval of crosswind velocity based on the analysis of remote object images: Part 1 — drift of a thin layer of turbulent inhomogeneities

Abstract

Numerical simulation is carried out in order to estimate possibilities of crosswind velocity determination along an observation path between a distant object and observer. The estimation is based on the analysis of atmospheric distortions in the object images. The disturbing effect of limited atmospheric regions on the object image and possibilities of the drift velocity retrieval in these regions are analyzed. A new method for filtration of turbulent distortions by their characteristic sizes is suggested with the aim of estimating the wind velocity at different segments of the observation path. It is shown that the technique suggested allows one to determine crosswind velocity with high accuracy when it is applied to a thin layer of atmospheric inhomogeneities.