Romeiser, R. ., University of Hamburg, Institu, Hamburg, Germany, romeiser@ifm.uni-hamburg.de
Gruenler, S. ., University of Hamburg, Institute of Oceanography, Hamburg, Germany, steffen.gruenler@zmaw.de
Stammer, D. ., University of Hamburg, Institute of Oceanography, Hamburg, Germany, detlef.stammer@zmaw.de

CURRENT MEASUREMENTS IN RIVERS FROM SPACE BY ALONG-TRACK INTERFEROMETRIC SAR

The along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar (along-track InSAR) technique permits a high-resolution imaging of surface current fields from aircraft or satellites. Results from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and theoretical findings indicate that spaceborne along-track InSARs are suitable for current measurements in rivers if the water surface is at least 200-300 m wide and sufficiently rough for microwave backscattering at slanting incidence. The German satellite TerraSAR-X, which was launched in June 2007, will be the first to offer along-track InSAR capabilities during some longer period in an experimental mode of operation. In this presentation we give an overview of basic principles, SRTM results, and predicted current measuring capabilities of TerraSAR-X. SRTM-derived currents in the lower Elbe river (Germany) are shown to agree well with numerical hydrodynamic model results. Simulation results for TerraSAR-X indicate an even better data quality. Depending on width, surface roughness, and relative flow direction of a river, current estimates with an accuracy better than 0.1 m/s will be possible with an effective spatial resolution of a few hundred meters to kilometers.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:006
Date: 03-05-2008
Time: 15:15