Summary This Seasat scatterometer (SASS) data set consists of enhanced resolution radar backscatter (sigma0) images of the Earth's surface. Images are generated on polar stereographic and Lambert equal area grids at a pixel resolution of 4.45 km. The images cover a 97 day time period during 1978.
Images are made from ... the Seasat Scatterometer Geophysical Record (GDR) data files using the Scatterometer Image Reconstruction w/filtering (SIRF) algorithm. For highest possible spatial resolution as well as to ensure full coverage over the images, multiple orbit passes are combined. Images of sigma0 at 40 deg incidence angle (A) in dB and the slope of sigma0 versus incidence angle (B) in dB/deg, along with auxilary parameters, are available.
The first wind scatterometer, the Ku-band SASS, demonstrated the capability of a spaceborne scatterometer to measure ocean winds. SASS also demonstrated the utility of scatterometer data in land and ice studies. This 1978 data set provides a baseline for studies of global change. SASS made approximately 50 km resolution sigma-0 measurements over an irregularly spaced grid.
Originally developed to measure winds over the ocean from space, scatterometer data has proved to be very useful in a variety of studies including polar ice and tropical vegetation. In particular, scatterometer measurements have demonstrated utility in monitoring melting in Greenland, a leading indicator of global warming. Because the scatterometer radar signal can penetrate the surface, a scatterometer can resolve subsurface limate related features in snow pack.
For more information link to the Scatterometer Climate Record Pathfinder (SCP) at URL http://www.scp.byu.edu/
With their rapid global coverage, day or night and all-weather operation, scatterometers offer a unique tools for long-term climate studies. The goal of the SCP is to provide scatterometer-based datasets to researchers involved in climate studies. Geographic Coverage
Spatial coordinates
N: 90.0
S: -90.0
E: 180.0
W: -180.0
Related URL
Link:
GET DATA
Description:
Scatterometer Climate Record Pathfinder data FTP site.
Data Set Citation
Dataset Creator:
David G. Long
Dataset Title:
Enhanced resolution Ku-band sigma-0 images of the earth 1978
Dataset Publisher:
BYU Center for Remote Sensing
Online Resource:
http://www.scp.byu.edu/
Name:
DAVID
G.
LONG Phone:
801-422-4383
Fax:
801-422-0201
Email:
long at ee.byu.edu
Contact Address:
BYU Center for Remote Sensing
Brigham Young University
459 Clyde Building City:
Provo
Province or State:
UT
Postal Code:
84602
Country:
USA
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