Title :
L-band radiometers measuring salinity from space: atmospheric propagation effects
Author :
Skou, Niels ; Hoffman-Bang, Dorthe
Author_Institution :
Oersted DTU, Tech. Univ. of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Abstract :
Microwave radiometers can measure sea surface salinity from space using L-band frequencies around 1.4 GHz. However, requirements to the accuracy of the measurements, in order to be satisfactory for the user, are so stringent that the influence of the intervening atmosphere cannot be neglected. The present paper will describe and quantify the effect of losses in the atmosphere caused by oxygen, water vapor, clouds, and rain, and indicate possible correction actions to be taken.
Keywords :
atmospheric humidity; clouds; microwave measurement; oxygen; radiometers; rain; remote sensing; tropospheric electromagnetic wave propagation; 1.4 GHz; L-band frequency; L-band radiometers; atmospheric propagation effects; clouds; microwave radiometers; oxygen absorption; rain; sea surface salinity; water vapor; Atmosphere; Atmospheric measurements; Extraterrestrial measurements; Frequency measurement; L-band; Microwave measurements; Microwave propagation; Radiometers; Sea measurements; Sea surface salinity; Atmospheric propagation; L-band radiometer; ocean salinity; oxygen absorption;
Journal_Title :
Geoscience and Remote Sensing, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TGRS.2005.856115