An Analysis of the Relationship between a Passive Microwave Sensor Data Set and Soil Moisture Content
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis was to analyze a collection of passive microwave sensor output and determine if a relationship existed between that output and soil moisture content. A second objective was to identify procedural errors which may have hindered the thorough analysis of the data set and propose potential solutions. In processing the data into a form which could be analyzed, a weighting technique was developed to help reduce the variability in the sensor readings caused by the large footprint size. This weighting technique used a Bessel function to represent the decrease in beam strength within a ground location were then weighted based on the ground sample position in the footprint. The study failed to show that any relationship exists between soil moisture and passive microwave response. The results, rather than being significant, are inconclusive. Many procedural and processing errors in the experiment, coupled with a lack of data on some important variables, left the analysis with only a small chance of success. However, these errors are identified and potential solutions for many of these errors are identified. The weighting technique showed a statistically insignificant increase in the relationship values, yet with additional study could prove to be an asset in this field. Keywords: Radiometry; Optical detection; Microwave optics; Space- based remote sensing; Soil mechanics; Optical data; Weighting functions; Surface truth; Thesis. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215368
Entities
People
- Robert J. Vasta
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology