Harris, Andrew Robert;
(1992)
The retrieval of surface parameters from satellite borne infrared radiometers for the study of climate.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
This thesis concerns the development and application of new infrared remote sensing techniques for measurement of climate-related variables. The nature of the climate system is discussed, and the need for global monitoring is noted, together with the suitability of satellite-based remote sensing for the task. Current applications of data from satellite-borne infrared radiometers are discussed, together with the attendant problems, particularly that of correction for the effects of the atmosphere on remotely-sensed thermal infrared temperatures. In addition, the monitoring of proxy indicators of climatic change, such as the areas of closed lakes, by remote sensing is seen as having great potential, despite the limited research to date. The problem of accurate measurement of lake areas by the necessarily coarse resolution instruments which are capable of providing the required repeat coverage is addressed. An initial case study shows that lakes of order a few hundred km2 can be measured to an accuracy of 1% with 1 km resolution data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). A further study of a climatically-sensitive closed lake in Ethiopia demonstrates a qualitative relationship between the measured area cycle and climate records. It is noted that the accurate remote sensing of lake surface temperatures and tropical ocean surface temperatures, both important parameters for climate research, is difficult due to the problem of atmospheric correction. A new correction algorithm is developed which offers an improvement of a factor ~2 over conventional algorithms when applied to AVHRR data. Useful byproducts of the algorithm are accurate atmospheric transmittance and total water vapour. Further developments of the techniques devised are suggested with a view to maximising the exploitation of both new and existing global datasets in order to provide the necessary long time series of accurate measurements required for climate research.
Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
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Qualification: | Ph.D |
Title: | The retrieval of surface parameters from satellite borne infrared radiometers for the study of climate |
Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
Language: | English |
Additional information: | Thesis digitised by ProQuest. |
Keywords: | Earth sciences; Infrared remote sensing |
URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10123931 |
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