The influence of rain and clouds on a satellite dual frequency radar altimeter system operating at 13 and 35 GHzThe effects of inhomogeneous spatial attenuation resulting from clouds and rain on the altimeter estimate of the range to mean sea level are modelled. It is demonstrated that typical cloud and rain attenuation variability at commonly expected spatial scales can significantly degrade altimeter range precision. Rain cell and cloud scale sizes and attenuations are considered as factors. The model simulation of altimeter signature distortion is described, and the distortion of individual radar pulse waveforms by different spatial scales of attenuation is considered. Examples of range errors found for models of a single cloud, a rain cell, and cloud streets are discussed.
Document ID
19850035364
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Walsh, E. J. (NASA Wallops Flight Center Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Monaldo, F. M. (NASA Wallops Flight Center Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Goldhirsh, J. (Johns Hopkins University Laurel, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1983
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Meeting Information
Meeting: 1983 International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS ''83)