Applicability of SAR data to meteorology and climatology
Abstract
The possible contribution of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) to solve problems of meteorology and climate, both on the operation and research sides is analyzed. For operational meteorology, by far the most important observations are the three dimensional structures of atmospheric temperature, humidity and wind. IR radiometry/spectroscopy, passive MW (microwave) radiometry and, in the future, lidar technology, are available for these observations. The contribution of SAR is difficult to envisage. Cloud imagery and precipitation observation as observed by VIS (Visible) IR and passive MW radiometry is generally sufficient for this purpose, they also provide for important surface observations, such as sea surface temperature. Beyond these parameters (vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature/humidity/wind, cloud/precipitation and sea surface temperature), the priority of other observations drastically decreases. Sea surface wind measurement (from scatterometer and passive MW), atmospheric liquid/solid/vapor water (passive MW); large scale vegetation index and soil moisture (VIS, IR, MW radiometry) is described. The usefulness of SAR ice observation is only considered necessary for specific problems in certain areas (e.g., to monitor ice edges for marine navigation purposes).
- Publication:
-
Applications of Multifrequency/Multipolarization SAR in View of X-EOS (X-SAR for EOS) CGS
- Pub Date:
- May 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990apmm.symp..139B
- Keywords:
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- Climatology;
- Meteorological Parameters;
- Synthetic Aperture Radar;
- Weather;
- Atmospheric & Oceanographic Inform Sys;
- Meteorological Radar;
- Ocean Data Acquisitions Systems;
- Wind Measurement;
- Communications and Radar