Prototype Cryospheric Experimental Synthetic Aperture Radiometer (CESAR)

• Main Authors: Ruf, Christopher, Reising, Steven C., Riley, J. Thomas, Lawrence, Roland W., Pichel, Thomas, Bland, Geoffrey L., Hilliard, Lawrence M., Phelps, Norman L., Markus, Thorsten M.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Spacecraft Instrumentation and Astrionics; Greenland; Antarc*; Antarctica; glacier; Ice Shelf; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2060/20050212133

Present satellite microwave radiometers typically have a coarse spatial resolution of several kilometers or more. This is only adequate only over homogenous areas. Significantly enhanced spatial resolution is critically important to reduce the uncertainty of estimated cryospheric parameters in heterogeneous and climatically-sensitive areas. Examples include: (1) dynamic sea ice areas with frequent lead and polynya developments and variable ice thicknesses, (2) mountainous areas that require improved retrieval of snow water equivalent, and (3) melting outlet glacier or ice shelf areas along the coast of Greenland and Antarctica. For these situations and many others, an Earth surface spot size of no more than 100 m is necessary to retrieve the information needed for significant new scientific progress, including the synthesis of field observations with satellite observations with high confidence.