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

ESTIMATES OF RIVER DISCHARGE BASED ON REMOTELY SENSED SURFACE VELOCITIES AND WATER LEVELS

One promising technique for river runoff estimates from space is the retrieval of surface currents on the basis of synthetic aperture radar along-track interferometry (ATI). The German satellite TerraSAR-X, which was launched in June 2007, will permit ATI measurements. Based on numerical simulations, we present first findings of a research project in which the potential of satellite measurements of various parameters with different temporal and spatial sampling characteristics is evaluated and a dedicated data synthesis system for river runoff estimates is developed. We address the achievable accuracy and limitations of such estimates for different local flow conditions at selected test sites. High-resolution three-dimensional current fields in the Elbe river (Germany) from a numerical model are used as reference data set and input for simulations of a variety of possible measuring and data interpretation strategies to be evaluated. For example, discharge estimates on the basis of measured surface current fields and river widths from TerraSAR-X and water levels from radar altimetry are simulated. We discuss the applicability of the measuring strategies to a number of major rivers around the world.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:006
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30