Several Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) Environmental Results

摘要

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) is a conically scanning, dual-polarization, total power microwave radiometer flying on NASA's Aqua satellite. It has been taking global observations for more than four years. The instrument was provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, and it was built by Mitsubishi Electric Company. AMSR-E data provide information on the state of various hydrologic parameters in the atmosphere and on the Earth's surface. AMSR-E measures dual linearly polarized radiation (horizontal and vertical polarizations) at frequencies of 6.9, 10.7, 18.7, 36.5, and 89 GHz. These frequencies have diverse amounts of influence from a wide variety of lower atmospheric and surface variables. Examples of environmental results obtained from AMSR-E data are included. One of the most important new capabilities is global SST observations through clouds, including observations of the cold wakes behind hurricanes. The cold wake behind hurricane Katrina will be shown. A monthly, global soil moisture percentage map was developed from the AMSR-E retrievals, and as an additional benefit maps showing large RFI sources have been compiled. Maps of the snow water equivalent (SWE) and detailed maps of the Arctic sea ice will be shown.