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Polar Applications of Spaceborne Scatterometers.
1Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602 USA (long@ee.byu.edu).
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing
|September 19, 2017
Summary
Wind scatterometers, originally for ocean winds, excel in polar remote sensing. Their normalized radar cross section (σ°) data effectively map snow, monitor freeze/thaw states, classify sea ice, and track icebergs, proving invaluable for polar research and navigation.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Remote Sensing
- Oceanography
Background:
- Wind scatterometers measure normalized radar cross section (σ°) to infer near-surface ocean winds.
- These measurements have demonstrated significant utility in polar regions beyond their original scope.
- A substantial historical archive of scatterometer σ° data supports climate change research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review polar applications of spaceborne wind scatterometer data.
- To discuss the capabilities of both C-band and Ku-band scatterometers in polar remote sensing.
- To compare the advantages of fan-beam and pencil-beam scatterometers for polar studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing normalized radar cross section (σ°) measurements from wind scatterometers.
- Employing geophysical model functions to relate σ° to vector winds.
- Analyzing data from both C-band and Ku-band scatterometers, including fan-beam and pencil-beam configurations.
Main Results:
- Scatterometer σ° data are effective for mapping snow cover in polar regions.
- These data can accurately detect the freeze/thaw status of terrestrial and ice surfaces.
- Scatterometer observations facilitate sea ice classification and iceberg tracking, crucial for navigation and research.
Conclusions:
- Wind scatterometers are essential tools for comprehensive monitoring of polar environments.
- The long-term scatterometer data record is vital for understanding polar climate dynamics.
- Both C-band and Ku-band scatterometers, with different beam types, offer valuable insights for polar remote sensing.
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