Which of the following is a specific application of Radar Scatterometer (side-looking radar) for oceanographic applications?

Correct option is B

1. Radar Scatterometer (side-looking radar):
· A radar scatterometer is a specialized microwave radar sensor used for oceanographic and atmospheric studies.
· Its functionality lies in analyzing radar backscatter, which helps detect surface dynamics, including ocean currents and tides.
2. Key Application - Ocean Currents and Tides:
· Radar scatterometers provide indirect measurements of surface ocean currents and tidal patterns by detecting changes in surface roughness caused by water motion.
· These observations are critical for understanding large-scale ocean circulation, tidal forces, and their interactions with atmospheric systems.
3. Explanation of Options:
· Option 1: Sea state and soil moisture
· While scatterometers are used for monitoring sea surface roughness (sea state) and soil moisture, these are not primary oceanographic applications.
· Option 2: Ocean currents and tides
· This is the correct answer, as scatterometers are specifically utilized to study ocean surface dynamics like currents and tides.
· Option 3: Surface wind speed and direction
· Scatterometers measure surface wind speed and direction indirectly, but this is primarily an atmospheric application, not specific to oceanographic studies.
· Option 4: Internal wave pattern
· Scatterometers are not designed for observing internal waves. SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) is more appropriate for such studies.
Information Booster: 1. Applications of Radar Scatterometer:
· Primary:
· Detect ocean currents and tidal variations.
· Secondary:
· Estimate wind-induced changes in sea state.
· Map variations in soil moisture over land areas.
2. Ocean Current Monitoring:
· Scatterometers detect changes in ocean surface roughness that correspond to water motion caused by currents and tides.
3. Tidal Pattern Studies:
· Data from scatterometers helps improve tidal models by providing insights into sea surface roughness influenced by tidal forces.
Additional Knowledge: Oceanographic Sensors:
· Radar Scatterometer: Studies ocean currents, tides, and surface roughness.
· Altimeter: Provides precise measurements of sea level.
· SAR: Maps internal waves and sea ice movement.
Advantages of Radar Scatterometer:
· Operates under all weather conditions.
· Provides continuous, large-scale data for ocean surface studies.
Key Missions Using Scatterometers:
· Seasat (NASA): Early mission to study sea surface roughness and ocean currents.
· QuikSCAT and ASCAT: Dedicated to monitoring surface ocean dynamics and winds.