Microwave Radiometry at Frequencies from 500 to 1400 MHz: An Emerging Technology for Earth Observations
Name
Microwave_Radiometry_at_Frequencies_From_500_to_1400_MHz_An_Emerging_Technology_for_Earth_Observations.pdf
Description
Published version
Size
7.85 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
f23cbc1241b6c5bf2db08d237f925a30
Date Issued
April 2021
Journal
Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, IEEE
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Citation
J. T. Johnson et al., "Microwave Radiometry at Frequencies From 500 to 1400 MHz: An Emerging Technology for Earth Observations," in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, vol. 14, pp. 4894-4914, 2021
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Microwave radiometry has provided valuable spaceborne observations of Earth's geophysical properties for decades. The recent SMOS, Aquarius, and SMAP satellites have demonstrated the value of measurements at 1400 MHz for observing surface soil moisture, sea surface salinity, sea ice thickness, soil freeze/thaw state, and other geophysical variables. However, the information obtained is limited by penetration through the subsurface at 1400 MHz and by a reduced sensitivity to surface salinity in cold or wind-roughened waters. Recent airborne experiments have shown the potential of brightness temperature measurements from 500-1400 MHz to address these limitations by enabling sensing of soil moisture and sea ice thickness to greater depths, sensing of temperature deep within ice sheets, improved sensing of sea salinity in cold waters, and enhanced sensitivity to soil moisture under vegetation canopies. However, the absence of significant spectrum reserved for passive microwave measurements in the 500-1400 MHz band requires both an opportunistic sensing strategy and systems for reducing the impact of radio-frequency interference. Here, we summarize the potential advantages and applications of 500-1400 MHz microwave radiometry for Earth observation and review recent experiments and demonstrations of these concepts. We also describe the remaining questions and challenges to be addressed in advancing to future spaceborne operation of this technology along with recommendations for future research activities.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Terms of Use
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTARS.2021.3073286
