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.
RADARSAT-1 (C-band, HH) SAR image of Willapa Bay, WA
showing some of the wave features visible in SAR. An ocean surface wave
pattern can be seen propagating generally from the upper left toward
land. The refraction of the wave pattern as the waves shoal can be
seen. The bright/dark linear features throughout the water regions are
signatures from internal waves. The imaged area is 50 km x 50 km.
Close-up of Cape Cod upwelling pattern as imaged by RADARSAT-1 (C-band,
HH) Standard Mode on 13 August 1998 at 2232 UTC highlighting the visible
ocean features.
Dept. of Commerce • NOAA • NESDIS • STAR • Last revised: April 20, 2011
