Satellite Observations of Surface Air Pressure Using Active Microwave Remote Sensing Technique for Severe Weather Forecast Improvements

摘要

Currently there is a tremendous gap in observations of global air pressure fields although many satellite remote sensing techniques have been developed in measuring certain atmospheric variables such as temperature and moisture in last few decades. Air pressure is the key variable for the Earth's dynamic fields. This study explores the potential of global surface air pressure measurements using a satellite active microwave sensing technique, namely the Differential-absorption BArometric Radar (DiBAR), to improve weather forecasts, particularly severe weather such as typhoon predictions. The research team at NASA Langley has developed a prototype instrument and demonstrated its performance through ground and airborne experiments. Spacebome capability of this measurement approach will significantly improve typhoon and severe weather forecasts.