Satellite Radar Altimetry and Lidar: Application and Outlook
Abstract
Although their primary priorities are aimed at ocean and ice studies, satellite radar altimeters can be successful at detecting surface water height variations over inland water targets. In particular, the ability to monitor stage variations in lakes, inland seas, rivers, wetlands and flood plains has been demonstrated. The results show how sub-monthly, seasonal, and interannual variations can be monitored with accuracy's ranging from a few centimetres (lakes) to tens of centimeters (rivers/wetlands). These instruments sample the surface at pre-defined geographical and temporal resolutions, have day/nighttime operational capability and are not hindered by the presence of clouds. These are keen advantages where traditional ground-based gauges are lacking or where there is little or slow dissemination of data. A combination of factors though, restricts both the quantity and accuracy of elevation data, and the minimum target size. In addition, NASA science and application questions focus on the more higher-level products of river discharge and lake storage volume. In view of these science requirements, this presentation gives a review of current radar altimetry capabilities and demonstrates applications across a number of interdisciplinary projects. Potential improvements and comparisons will also be discussed in the light of new river and lake elevation retrievals from the lidar instrument GLAS, onboard the recently launched ICESAT satellite. A future outlook will also focus on the possible contributions from doppler radar and lidar techniques, with examples given from recent airborne and field experiments, and an outline of a proposed future mission will be given.
- Publication:
-
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly
- Pub Date:
- April 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003EAEJA.....4533B