Simulating spaceborne X-band polarimetric SAR observations of precipitation using ground-based S-band weather radar data

Abstract

Recent advances in X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (XSAR) technology have revived meteorological applications with this type of radar. At this wavelength, attenuation and backscatter caused precipitation can be detected, and has been observed in current and past XSAR systems. Based on real fully polarimetric S-band ground radar observations of storms, a model is constructed to simulate spaceborne XSAR observations. Simulation results are compared to storm observations from several repeat pass dual polarization TerraSAR-X acquisitions over Florida. Development of these simulations provides a mechanism to explore the capabilites of precipitation surveillance from from XSAR as well as progress towards mitigation of storm effects for traditional SAR applications.