Glacier analysis using radar imagery


 
 
 
 
This case study is addressed to advanced students and to those who are especially interested in detailed glacier studies using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). You will learn about the difference between optical and microwave sensors, and you will also be introduced to the concept of backscattering of microwaves on ice and snow surfaces.
 
The potential of SAR Differential Interferometry is explained in the Background section.

The exercise focuses mainly on the seasonal changes of ice and snow-covered ground, and its response to microwave.

This case study includes:

  • an introduction
  • two background sections
  • a worksheet introduction
  • exercises

    • You can access them by clicking on the links on the right.


      
     
      
    Last update: 17 February 2014


    Glacier analysis using radar imagery


    Background

     •  Radar (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMD4V96KQH_0.html)
     •  Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMFMY96KQH_0.html)

    Exercises

     •  Worksheet introduction (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMZSY96KQH_0.html)
     •  Exercise 1: Multitemporal radar and multispectral optical data (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMPZY96KQH_0.html)
     •  Exercise 2: The influence of weather conditions on radar imagery (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEM7DZ96KQH_0.html)
     •  Conclusions (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMUDZ96KQH_0.html)

    Eduspace - Software

     •  LEOWorks 4 (MacOS) (http://leoworks.asrc.ro/download/leoworks.app.zip)
     •  LEOWorks 4 (Windows) (http://leoworks.asrc.ro/download/leoworks.exe)
     •  LEOWorks 4 (Linux) (http://leoworks.asrc.ro/download/leoworks.jar)

    Eduspace - Download

     •  Images_Glaciers.zip (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/eduspace/Leoworks-material.zip)
     •  GoogleEarth file (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/eduspace/GoogleEarth_file.kmz)