Tropical Cyclones Features Inferred from SAR Images

Abstract

Due to relatively small amount of in situ data available for the open oceans, particularly during extreme events, remote sensing techniques take an important role in the retrieval of geophysical information under such conditions. This study is based on a dataset of wide swath Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images (400 km x 400 km coverage), acquired by the European ENVISAT satellite, to observe tropical. Wide swath SAR images offer the opportunity to observe the whole structure of tropical cyclones and measure some characteristic parameters like cyclone size, rain band distribution, eye wall size and shape, as well as the radius of maximum wind speed. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of SAR to improve the existing model for the retrieval of information on wind field under extreme wind and wave conditions using information from a parametric Holland type model. Performing a 2-dimensional spectral analysis of the SAR images wavelength and direction of boundary layer rolls for information on mixed boundary layer depth and wind direction are determined. The work aims at the improvement of prediction of the cyclone track, intensity and sea state.