Difference between revisions of "IC SG3"

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===Membership===
 
===Membership===
'' '''Florian Seitz, (Germany, Chair)'''<br /> Jean Dickey (USA) <br /> Franz Meyer (USA) <br /> Mahdi Motagh (Germany) <br /> Michael Schmidt (Germany) <br /> Manuela Seitz (Germany) <br /> Xinxing Wang (Germany) <br />''
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'' '''Florian Seitz, (Germany, Chair)'''<br /> Sarah Abelen (Germany) <br /> Jean Dickey (USA) <br /> Franz Meyer (USA) <br /> Mahdi Motagh (Germany) <br /> Michael Schmidt (Germany) <br /> Manuela Seitz (Germany) <br /> Alka Singh (India) <br /> Xinxing Wang (Germany) <br />''

Revision as of 12:14, 13 August 2010

Configuration analysis of Earth oriented space techniques

Chair: F. Seitz (Germany)
Affiliation: Comm. 3, 2, 1

Introduction

Activities of the study group are focussed on modern methods of Earth observation from space. Today a multitude of simultaneously operating satellite systems with different objectives are available. They offer a broad spectrum of information on global and regional-scale processes within and/or between individual components of the Earth system in different temporal resolutions.

The general objective of this study group is the development of strategies how complementary and redundant information from heterogeneous observation types can be combined and analysed with respect to physical processes in the Earth system.

Most of the measurement techniques are restricted to the observation of integral effects of a multitude of underlying geophysical processes. It shall be investigated in which way the combination of heterogeneous data sets allows for the separation of processes and the identification of individual contributors.

In particular the studies span geometrical observation techniques (e.g. point positioning systems, imaging radar systems), gravimetrical observation techniques (e.g. GRACE, GOCE) and sensors which allow for the direct observation of individual physical processes (e.g., IceSat, SMOS).

The combination of complementary and redundant observation types fosters and improves the understanding of the Earth system. This implies more reliable information on processes and interactions in the subsystems of the Earth which is especially necessary with regard to studies of global change.

Among the most important steps are compilation and assessment of background information for individual systems and sensors (mode of operation, sensitivity, accuracy, deficiencies) as well as theoretical studies which (new) information on the Earth system can be gained from a combination of different observation methods.

Objectives

  • which processes in the Earth system are insufficiently known and which parameters are imprecisely determined?
  • can the understanding of individual processes be improved by common analysis of different observations types?
  • which are the target parameters and how are the connections with other variables?
  • which sensors are available and sensitive for the target parameters?
  • which sensors can be used to reduce unwanted signals?
  • which are the accuracies, temporal and spatial resolutions of the different data sets and which regions and time spans are covered?
  • are the data publicly available or is their access restricted?
  • which pre-processing steps are necessary in order to extract the proper information from the raw observation data?
  • have the data already been pre-processed? Which methods, models and conventions have been applied? Are there possible error sources or inconsistencies?
  • which methods can be applied in order to enhance the information content (e.g. filters)?
  • how can the heterogeneous observation types can be combined expediently?
  • how do the observation equations look like?
  • which methods for parameter estimation can be applied? How can linear dependencies between parameters and rank deficiency problems be solved?
  • how can balance equations be regarded in the combination process (e.g. mass and energy balance)?
  • are their additional information (models and terrestrial data) which can/must be considered?
  • which of the desired parameters can be assessed with the available observation techniques?
  • which further parameters are desired and how could appropriate missions for the future look like?

The research activities are coordinated between the participating scientists and shall be conducted in interdisciplinary collaboration. At all times the group is open for new contacts and members in order to embed the activities in a wide context.

Membership

Florian Seitz, (Germany, Chair)
Sarah Abelen (Germany)
Jean Dickey (USA)
Franz Meyer (USA)
Mahdi Motagh (Germany)
Michael Schmidt (Germany)
Manuela Seitz (Germany)
Alka Singh (India)
Xinxing Wang (Germany)