Automated Detection of Precipitation induced Artefacts in X-band SAR Images

Abstract

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images recorded during heavy precipitation events may be severely affected as wavelengths become shorter and acquired SAR images in X - band offer the possibilities to scrutinize the disturbance on SAR images due to weather phenomena occurring in the troposphere. We investigate on the potential influence of weather effects on space-borne synthetic aperture radar imaging and in a first step we provide an estimate on the potential influence of rain (attenuation) on SAR imaging according typically weather scenarios. Hereby estimates of attenuation on microwave SAR signals through precipitation systems are provided. A theoretical evaluation of the atmospheric influence on SAR imaging is given. Moreover an algorithm will be presented which allows for an automated detection of precipitation induced artefacts in SAR images.