Groves model accuracy study
Abstract
The United States Air Force Environmental Technical Applications Center (USAFETAC) was tasked to review the scientific literature for studies of the Groves Neutral Density Climatology Model and compare the Groves Model with others in the 30-60 km range. The tasking included a request to investigate the merits of comparing accuracy of the Groves Model to rocketsonde data. USAFETAC analysts found the Groves Model to be state of the art for middle-atmospheric climatological models. In reviewing previous comparisons with other models and with space shuttle-derived atmospheric densities, good density vs altitude agreement was found in almost all cases. A simple technique involving comparison of the model with range reference atmospheres was found to be the most economical way to compare the Groves Model with rocketsonde data; an example of this type is provided. The Groves 85 Model is used routinely in USAFETAC's Improved Point Analysis Model (IPAM). To create this model, Dr. Gerald Vann Groves produced tabulations of atmospheric density based on data derived from satellite observations and modified by rocketsonde observations. Neutral Density as presented here refers to the monthly mean density in 10-degree latitude bands as a function of altitude. The Groves 85 Model zonal mean density tabulations are given in their entirety.
- Publication:
-
Unknown
- Pub Date:
- August 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991gmas.book.....P
- Keywords:
-
- Accuracy;
- Atmospheric Density;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Climatology;
- Comparison;
- Altitude;
- Artificial Satellites;
- Literature;
- Low Cost;
- Mean;
- Sounding Rockets;
- Space Shuttles;
- Geophysics