SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Passive microwave remote sensing”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1991

Multi-frequency, multi-polarization SAR and radiometer sea ice classification

Microwave remotely sensed data were acquired simultaneously in March 1988 over Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering Sea ice using the JPL multifrequency, polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and multifrequency dual-polarization GSFC radiometer. The experiment was conducted as a series of coordinated underflights of the DMSP SSM/I satellite radiometer to validate ice products derived from its radiance values. Concurrent flights by an NRL P-3 aircraft enabled overlapping high-resolution, single-frequency images to be acquired over the same surfaces using a Ka-band scanning microwave radiometer. Precise coregistration to an accuracy of 100 m, +/- 25 m enables comparison of temporally and spatially coincident active and passive microwave datasets. Three-channel polarimetric SAR data are compared with dual-polarized radiometer data at several SSM/I frequencies, showing backscatter signatures to be highly correlated with radiometric temperatures. Further comparisons are used to evaluate ice concentration retrievals and to show how multiparameter datasets can be used to resolve ambiguities present in identifying certain sea ice forms with a single microwave instrument.

Drinkwater, Mark R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Freshwater ice thickness observations using passive microwave sensors

Walden Reservoir, a freshwater lake in north-central Colorado, was overflown six times by a NASA C-130 aircraft between January 1977 and April 1980. The aircraft was equipped with four microwave radiometers operating between 0.81 and 6.0 cm in wavelength (37.0 to 5.0 GHz). The 6.0-cm radiometer data showed a good relationship with ice thickness based on a sample of four ice thickness values. The 1.67- and 1.35-cm radiometer data showed weaker relationships with ice thickness. The 0.81-cm sensor data showed no positive relationship with ice thickness. None of the relationships was statistically significant because of the small sample size. The 6.0-cm sensor data in the nadir-viewing mode was found to have the most potential of all the wavelengths studied, for use in remotely determining ice thickness. The 6.0-cm radiometer probably sensed the entire thickness of the ice on the reservoir (ranging from 25.4 to 67.3 cm in thickness) and was apparently not significantly affected by the snow overlying the ice. The shorter wavelengths are scattered by the snow overlying the ice and are more suitable for snow studies than for ice thickness studies.

Hall, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Remote Sensing of Cloud Properties using Ground-based Measurements of Zenith Radiance

An extensive verification of cloud property retrievals has been conducted for two algorithms using zenith radiances measured by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program ground-based passive two-channel (673 and 870 nm) Narrow Field-Of-View Radiometer. The underlying principle of these algorithms is that clouds have nearly identical optical properties at these wavelengths, but corresponding spectral surface reflectances (for vegetated surfaces) differ significantly. The first algorithm, the RED vs. NIR, works for a fully three-dimensional cloud situation. It retrieves not only cloud optical depth, but also an effective radiative cloud fraction. Importantly, due to one-second time resolution of radiance measurements, we are able, for the first time, to capture detailed changes in cloud structure at the natural time scale of cloud evolution. The cloud optical depths tau retrieved by this algorithm are comparable to those inferred from both downward fluxes in overcast situations and microwave brightness temperatures for broken clouds. Moreover, it can retrieve tau for thin patchy clouds, where flux and microwave observations fail to detect them. The second algorithm, referred to as COUPLED, couples zenith radiances with simultaneous fluxes to infer 2. In general, the COUPLED and RED vs. NIR algorithms retrieve consistent values of tau. However, the COUPLED algorithm is more sensitive to the accuracies of measured radiance, flux, and surface reflectance than the RED vs. NIR algorithm. This is especially true for thick overcast clouds where it may substantially overestimate z.

Chiu, J. Christine↗

NASA NTRS1982

Recent advances in remote sensing; Proceedings of the First International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Washington, DC, June 8-10, 1981

The state of the art in remote sensing of the earth and the planets was discussed in terms of sensor performance, signal processing, and data interpretation. Particular attention was given to lidar for characterizing atmospheric particulates, the modulation of short waves by long ocean gravity waves, and runoff modeling for snow-covered areas. The use of NOAA-6 spacecraft AVHRR data to explore hydrologic land surface features, the effects of soil moisture and vegetation canopies on microwave and thermal microwave emissions, and regional scale evapotranspiration rate determination through satellite IR data are examined. A Shuttle experiment to demonstrate high accuracy global time and frequency transfer is described, along with features of the proposed Gravsat, radar image processing for rock-type discrimination, and passive microwave sensing of temperature and salinity in coastal zones.

Mcintosh, R.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Soil moisture detection from Skylab

An investigation was designed for the Skylab satellite to determine the feasibility of remote sensing of the soil moisture content of the surface from various microwave sensors. Skylab data for the experiment were collected during passes 5, 10, 16, and 38 across the two test sites selected in eastern Kansas and western Texas. Pass 38 covered both test sites giving five data sets for the analysis. As Skylab data were being taken the moisture content of the soil was sampled by ground crews for each 2.5 centimeter depth from the surface to 15 centimeters at interval of about six kilometers along two different routes along the test sites. This resulted in a total of 2250 soil moisture samples corresponding to different locations and six different depths. Skylab data were collected by passive microwave radiometers at wavelengths of 2.1 and 21 centimeters by the S193 and S194 microwave sensors. An active microwave system also collected scatterometer data at a wavelength of 2.1 centimeters. The analysis of microwave data has revealed that the longer wavelength L-Band passive radiometer gives the best correlation with soil moisture content of the upper 2.5 centimeter depth of soil.

Eagleman, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Development of a Satellite Systems for Measuring Soil Moisture

The science need for remotely sensed soil moisture has been well established in the hydrologic, climate change and weather forecasting communities. There also have been a number of programs that have demonstrated the feasibility of using long wave microwave sensors for estimating soil moisture. These have ranged from truck mounted sensors, to intensive airborne campaigns with science objectives. Based on this history of truck and aircraft experiments, the science community has settled on a soil moisture product that meets the following criteria: a two day global repeat, a measured layer of 5 cm of soil, a footprint of 20 to 30 km, and an absolute accuracy of +/- 4% volumetric soil moisture. The principal sensor to accomplish this is an L-band passive microwave radiometer. A soil moisture mission is being proposed for the NASA Earth Systems Science Pathfinder (ESSP) mission which has very real constraints of a limited budget which includes the launch vehicle, and a three year award to launch time schedule. This paper describes ways to solve the very large antenna challenge, and the criteria used to choose the final design for an ESSP proposal. The paper also discusses the alternatives considered to obtain the necessary ancillary data for characterizing the surface roughness, the surface temperature and the attenuation affects of vegetation.

Engman, Edwin T.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Remote Sensing of Precipitation from Airborne and Spaceborne Radar

Weather radar measurements from airborne or satellite platforms can be an effective remote sensing tool for examining the three-dimensional structures of clouds and precipitation. This chapter describes some fundamental properties of radar measurements and their dependence on the particle size distribution (PSD) and radar frequency. The inverse problem of solving for the vertical profile of PSD from a profile of measured reflectivity is stated as an optimal estimation problem for single- and multi-frequency measurements. Phenomena that can change the measured reflectivity Z(sub m) from its intrinsic value Z(sub e), namely attenuation, non-uniform beam filling, and multiple scattering, are described and mitigation of these effects in the context of the optimal estimation framework is discussed. Finally, some techniques involving the use of passive microwave measurements to further constrain the retrieval of the PSD are presented.

cloud↗

NASA NTRS2014

A New Normal for the Sea Ice Index

The NSIDC Sea Ice Index is a popular data product that shows users how ice extent and concentration have changed since the beginning of the passive microwave satellite record in 1978. It shows time series of monthly ice extent anomalies rather than actual extent values, in order to emphasize the information the data are carrying. Along with the time series, an image of average extent for the previous month is shown as a white field, with a pink line showing the median extent for that month. These are updated monthly; corresponding daily products are updated daily.

Arctic↗

NASA NTRS2021

Seawater Dielectric Constant At L-Band: How Consistent Are New Parametrisations Inferred from Smos and Laboratory Measurements?

The accuracy of the Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) retrieved from L-Band radiometer measurements is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the modelling of the dielectric constant (ε). Two new ε parametrizations have recently been developed based on one hand on the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite multi-angular brightness temperature measurements and on the other hand on new laboratory measurements. These two approaches are fully independent. These new ε parametrizations are compared with each other and with the ε models previously in use in the SMOS, Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) and Aquarius SSS retrievals. The two new ε parametrizations are found to be in closer agreement than with earlier parametrizations for most common ocean conditions. We will further study to which extent the recent SMOS CCI+SSS v3 reprocessing confirms the above results and could help resolve remaining inconsistencies.

SMOS↗

NASA NTRS1970

Whitecap coverage from aerial photography

A program for determining the feasibility of deriving sea surface wind speeds by remotely sensing ocean surface radiances in the nonglitter regions is discussed. With a knowledge of the duration and geographical extent of the wind field, information about the conventional sea state may be derived. The use of optical techniques for determining sea state has obvious limitations. For example, such means can be used only in daylight and only when a clear path of sight is available between the sensor and the surface. However, sensors and vehicles capable of providing the data needed for such techniques are planned for the near future; therefore, a secondary or backup capability can be provided with little added effort. The information currently being sought regarding white water coverage is also of direct interest to those working with passive microwave systems, the study of energy transfer between winds and ocean currents, the aerial estimation of wind speeds, and many others.

Austin, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Interannual and Decadal Variability of Ocean Surface Latent Heat Flux as Seen from Passive Microwave Satellite Algorithms

Ocean surface turbulent fluxes are critical links in the climate system since they mediate energy exchange between the two fluid systems (ocean and atmosphere) whose combined heat transport determines the basic character of Earth's climate. Deriving physically-based latent and sensible heat fluxes from satellite is dependent on inferences of near surface moisture and temperature from coarser layer retrievals or satellite radiances. Uncertainties in these "retrievals" propagate through bulk aerodynamic algorithms, interacting as well with error properties of surface wind speed, also provided by satellite. By systematically evaluating an array of passive microwave satellite algorithms, the SEAFLUX project is providing improved understanding of these errors and finding pathways for reducing or eliminating them. In this study we focus on evaluating the interannual variability of several passive microwave-based estimates of latent heat flux starting from monthly mean gridded data. The algorithms considered range from those based essentially on SSM/I (e.g. HOAPS) to newer approaches that consider additional moisture information from SSM/T-2 or AMSU-B and lower tropospheric temperature data from AMSU-A. On interannual scales, variability arising from ENSO events and time-lagged responses of ocean turbulent and radiative fluxes in other ocean basins (as well as the extratropical Pacific) is widely recognized, but still not well quantified. Locally, these flux anomalies are of order 10-20 W/sq m and present a relevant "target" with which to verify algorithm performance in a climate context. On decadal time scales there is some evidence from reanalyses and remotely-sensed fluxes alike that tropical ocean-averaged latent heat fluxes have increased 5-10 W/sq m since the early 1990s. However, significant uncertainty surrounds this estimate. Our work addresses the origin of these uncertainties and provides statistics on time series of tropical ocean averages, regional space / time correlation analysis, and separation of contributions by variations in wind and near surface humidity deficit. Comparison to variations in reanalysis data sets is also provided for reference.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Microwave remote sensing and radar polarization signatures of natural fields

Theoretical models developed for simulation of microwave remote sensing of the Earth surface from airborne/spaceborne sensors are described. Theoretical model calculations were performed and the results were compared with data of field measurements. Data studied included polarimetric images at the frequencies of P band, L band, and C band, acquired with airborne polarimeters over a agricultural field test site. Radar polarization signatures from bare soil surfaces and from tree covered fields were obtained from the data. The models developed in this report include: (1) Small perturbation model of wave scatterings from randomly rough surfaces, (2) Physical optics model, (3) Geometrical optics model, and (4) Electromagnetic wave scattering from dielectric cylinders of finite lengths, which replace the trees and branches in the modeling of tree covered field. Additionally, a three-layer emissivity model for passive sensing of a vegetation covered soil surface is also developed. The effects of surface roughness, soil moisture contents, and tree parameters on the polarization signatures were investigated.

Mo, Tsan↗

NASA NTRS1999

Remote Sensing for Agriculture, Ecosystems and Hydrology III

The science need for remotely sensed soil moisture has been well established in the hydrologic, climate change and weather forecasting communities. In spite of this well documented science need there are currently no satellite missions flying or funded to make this very important geophysical measurement. There have been a number of experimental aircraft programs that have demonstrated the feasibility of using long wave microwave sensors for estimating soil moisture. Unfortunately, this science driver, soil moisture, imposes very difficult technical requirements for a satellite sensor system. Global soil moisture is driven by a spatial resolution on the order of 20 to 30 km and measurements need to be taken every two to three days to be useful to the science community. The principal sensor to accomplish the soil moisture measurements is an L- band passive microwave radiometer and achieving the spatial and temporal requirements requires a very large antenna. This paper describes the several alternatives to solve the very large antenna challenge and still meet the radiometer sensitivity requirement. The paper also discusses the alternatives considered to obtain the necessary ancillary data for characterizing the surface roughness, the surface temperature and the attenuation affects of vegetation needed to derive the geophysical parameter. Finally, the paper discusses proposed missions and how well they will meet the science requirements.

Engman, Edwin T.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Microwave sensing from orbit

Microwave sensors, used in conjunction with the traditional sensors of visible and infrared light to extend present capabilities of global weather forecasts and local storm watches, are discussed. The great advantage of these sensors is that they can penetrate or 'see' through cloud formations to monitor temperature, humidity and wind fields below the clouds. Other uses are that they can penetrate the earth deeper than optical and IR systems; they can control their own angle of incidence; they can detect oil spills; and they can enhance the studies of the upper atmosphere through measurement of temperature, water vapor and other gaseous species. Two types of microwave sensors, active and passive, are examined. Special attention is given to the study of the microwave radiometer and the corresponding temperature resolution as detected by the antenna. It is determined that not only will the microwave remote sensors save lives by allowing close monitoring of developing storms, but also save approximately $172 million/year.

Kritikos, H. N.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Consistency of Estimated Global Water Cycle Variations Over the Satellite Era

Motivated by the question of whether recent indications of decadal climate variability and a possible "climate shift" may have affected the global water balance, we examine evaporation minus precipitation (E-P) variability integrated over the global oceans and global land from three points of view-remotely sensed retrievals / objective analyses over the oceans, reanalysis vertically-integrated moisture convergence (MFC) over land, and land surface models forced with observations-based precipitation, radiation and near-surface meteorology. Because monthly variations in area-averaged atmospheric moisture storage are small and the global integral of moisture convergence must approach zero, area-integrated E-P over ocean should essentially equal precipitation minus evapotranspiration (P-ET) over land (after adjusting for ocean and land areas). Our analysis reveals considerable uncertainty in the decadal variations of ocean evaporation when integrated to global scales. This is due to differences among datasets in 10m wind speed and near-surface atmospheric specific humidity (2m qa) used in bulk aerodynamic retrievals. Precipitation variations, all relying substantially on passive microwave retrievals over ocean, still have uncertainties in decadal variability, but not to the degree present with ocean evaporation estimates. Reanalysis MFC and P-ET over land from several observationally forced diagnostic and land surface models agree best on interannual variations. However, upward MFC (i.e. P-ET) reanalysis trends are likely related in part to observing system changes affecting atmospheric assimilation models. While some evidence for a low-frequency E-P maximum near 2000 is found, consistent with a recent apparent pause in sea-surface temperature (SST) rise, uncertainties in the datasets used here remain significant. Prospects for further reducing uncertainties are discussed. The results are interpreted in the context of recent climate variability (Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Atlantic Meridional Overturning), and efforts to distinguish these modes from longer-term trends.

Robertson, F. R.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Consistency of Estimated Global Water Cycle Variations Over the Satellite Era

Robertson, F. R.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Design and Development of VHF Antennas for Space Borne Signal of Opportunity Receivers for Cubesat Platforms

Design and Development of VHF Antennas for Space Borne Signal of Opportunity Receivers for Cubesat Platforms. Space borne microwave remote sensors at VHF/UHF frequencies are important instruments to observe reflective properties of land surfaces through thick and heavy forestation on a global scale. One of the most cost effective ways of measuring land reflectivity at VHF/UHF frequencies is to use signals transmitted by existing communication satellites (operating at VHF/UHF band) as a signal of opportunity (SoOp) signal and passive receivers integrated with airborne/space borne platforms operating in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). One of the critical components of the passive receiver is two antennas (one to receive only direct signal and other to receive only reflected signal) which need to have ideally high (>30dB) isolation. However, because of small size of host platforms and broad beam width of dipole antennas, achieving adequate isolation between two channels is a challenging problem and need to be solved for successful implementation of space borne SoOp technology for remote sensing. In this presentation a novel enabling VHF antenna technology for Cubesat platforms is presented to receive direct as well as reflected signal with needed isolation. The novel scheme also allows enhancing the gain of individual channels by factor of 2 without use of reflecting ground plane

Crossed Dipole Antennas↗

NASA NTRS2017

Design VHF Antennas for Space Borne Receivers for SmallSats

Space borne microwave remote sensors at VHF/UHF frequencies are important instruments to observe reflective properties of land surfaces through thick and heavy forestation on a global scale. One of the most cost effective ways of measuring land reflectivity at VHF/UHF frequencies is to use signals transmitted by existing communication satellites (operating at VHF/UHF band) as a signal of opportunity (SoOp) signal and passive receivers integrated with airborne/space borne platforms operating in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). One of the critical components of the passive receiver is two antennas (one to receive only direct signal and other to receive only reflected signal) which need to have ideally high (>30dB) isolation. However, because of small size of host platforms and broad beam width of dipole antennas, achieving adequate isolation between two channels is a challenging problem and need to be solved for successful implementation of space borne SoOp technology for remote sensing. In this presentation a novel enabling VHF antenna technology for Cubesat platforms is presented to receive direct as well as reflected signal with needed isolation. The novel scheme also allows enhancing the gain of individual channels by factor of 2 without use of reflecting ground plane.

Antennas↗