Retrieving Snow Water Equivalence using Signals of Opportunity Bistatic Radar

摘要

The Signals of Opportunity (SoOp) concept using only passive receivers across the available microwave spectrum (P-band for example) may complement or become a cost effective alternate to active radar and passive radiometer technologies. In this paper, we are focusing on utilizing P-band from the communication satellite Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) to retrieve snow water equivalence. We reviewed the theoretical model, which shows that the phase change of reflected signal from snowpack has a quasi-linear dependence on SWE. The retrieval algorithm is developed based on the linear regression of the model simulation. We will also demonstrate the proof of concept experiments that carried out in Fraser, CO.