Radar Sounder
Abstract
This report describes a study of a Radar Sounder on an orbiting Satellite as a remote sensing tool with meteorologic and oceanographic applications. The study had as its primary objective the determination of cloud base altitudes for non-precipitating clouds. After selecting 3 potential candidates (a scanning dish, a long array, and a synthetic aperture radar) an exhaustive systems analysis was performed over all radar parameters at four carrier frequencies. The resulting system will meet the goals in the specification with the detectable water content level of stratus clouds dependent on swath size, orbit altitude and resolution. The 'baseline' system consists of a relatively simple Ka band radar conically scanning about nadir. The calibration of the radar will take into account the attenuation of the electromagnetic waves by clouds and especially precipitation. It will be accomplished in at least two ways. The first will be by placing supplementary radiometer feeds on the dish. The second is to measure the reflected radar signals from the surface. The proposed system, will also detect sea ice, and will be able to derive approximate surface wind speed and direction over the oceans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA219801
Entities
People
- F. E. Nathanson
- L. Brooks
- R. Crane
- S. W. Mccandless
- T. Slocumb
Organizations
- Technology Service Corporation