Synthetic Aperture Radar
Marine User's Manual Published

To help people understand the types of information that may be obtained from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the ocean, the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service's (NESDIS's) Office of Research and Applications sponsored the creation of the Synthetic Aperture Radar Marine User's Manual.

Beginning with the launch of SEASAT in 1978, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites have provided a global perspective on a wide range of diverse ocean and atmospheric phenomena including surface and internal waves, upwelling, current boundaries, shallow water bathymetry, wind, rainfall, roll vortices, convective cells, storms, and a wide variety of sea ice forms.

This 464-page manual was developed to illustrate to potential users the information and analysis methods available from SAR imagery for ocean remote sensing (Examples are shown in the accompanying figures). It is intended for non-expert but scientifically literate investigator who wish to use SAR data in their studies but need assistance in understanding the features visible in the imagery.

The manual consists of twenty peer-reviewed chapters written by authors from the U.S., Europe, and Canada. There are three overview chapters on the principles of SAR and its use for ocean and sea ice applications. The overview is followed by nine chapters on ocean applications, five chapters on atmospheric applications, and three chapters on sea-ice applications.

The Manual is available on-line at http://www.sarusersmanual.com as a series of separate PDF files, or one may purchase a hardcopy from the U.S. Government Printing Office on-line bookstore. (Cost inside the US is $73.00).