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Title: ALOS PALSAR and UAVSAR Soil Moisture in Field Campaigns

Author
item Jackson, Thomas
item BINDLISH, R - Science Systems, Inc

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2010
Publication Date: 11/15/2010
Citation: Jackson, T.J., Bindlish, R. 2010. ALOS PALSAR and UAVSAR soil moisture in field campaigns [abstract]. 4th Joint PI Symposium of ALOS Data Nodes for the ALOS Science Program. 2010 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As part of our ongoing analysis of L-band radar mapping of soil moisture we are evaluating the role that ALOS PALSAR data can play in the development of radar retrieval algorithms for the future NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite. Differences in configurations must be assessed to determine if these significantly limit the utility of ALOS in this research. Among these differences are incidence angles, polarizations, and time of overpass. We have attempted over the past few years to acquire concurrent ALOS PALSAR and aircraft observations with the SMAP configuration.. These have been marginally successful due to scheduling issues. In 2010 we will conduct several campaigns that will utilize aircraft-based SMAP simulators. Of particular significance is a major campaign in Saskatchewan, Canada in June. This will employ the new NASA UAVSAR instrument. A time series of aircraft observations will be obtained over the study region for two weeks, which includes requested ALOS PALSAR coverage. Both data sets will be used to produce soil moisture that will be validated fusing ground-based observations. This information will be of significant value to SMAP if it can be accomplished in a timely manner.