Atmospheric Sciences Seminar

March 4, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Mānoa Campus, Marine Sciences Building, MSB 100

Insights to marine atmospheric phenomena from synthetic aperture radars

Dr. Justin E. Stopa
Assistant Professor
Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, S.O.E.S.T.
University of Hawaii at Manoa

Seminar Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Refreshments: 3:00pm at MSB courtyard
Cookies, Coffee & Tea Provided
Seminar Time: 3:30pm
Location: Marine Sciences Building, MSB 100

Abstract:
Synthetic aperture radars (SAR) aboard space-borne satellites are the unique technology to measure sub-mesoscale oceanic and atmospheric phenomena at global scale. SAR measures sea surface roughness on the order of meters. With the launch of two SAR satellites within the Sentinel-1 mission by the European Space Agency, fine resolution sea surface roughness imagery is now routine regardless of cloud cover and during day and night opening new research opportunities.

We observe a wide range of upper ocean and lower atmosphere phenomena within the Sentinel-1 imagery such as extreme sea states, ocean waves, sea ice, atmospheric boundary layer rolls, convection, rain cells, atmospheric fronts, and oceanic fronts. Due to the large amount of data (~600 Tb), we rely on machine learning techniques for automatic detection. This allows a global quantification of the various phenomena some of which are not well measured by other technologies. For example, mapping the surface wind speed perturbation produced by roll vortices is significant to both boundary layer science and physical oceanography.


Event Sponsor
SOEST Atmospheric Sciences, Mānoa Campus

More Information
808-956-8775, SEE FLYER (PDF)

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