C-band scatterometer measurements
The instrument is mounted on a truck. As only one scatterometer is available, once measurements are made on one field, the scatterometer will be driven to the second field for data collection.
The scatterometer will be positioned as close to the radiometers as possible, yet ensuring no interference from the radiometer structures. It is hoped that part of the scatterometer footprint will overlap that of the radiometers (if possible).
For both fields, daily multi-angular observations of the backscattering coefficient at HH, VV, HV and VH polarisations, from 20° to 60° incidence angles, with an increment of 3° will be collected in the morning. Then the scatterometer will be fixed at a 25° incident angle on the wheat field. Measurements will continue until late afternoon (time TBD).
Calibration will be made prior to and after the campaign, using external calibration targets.
When RADARSAT-2 PM acquisitions are available, scatterometer measurements will be acquired as close in time to the RADARSAT-2 passes as possible, in order to capture the diurnal differences in backscatter, including the impact of dew on the radar response.