Geophysics, Atmospheric and Environmental Physics

This book is concerned with the exploitation of polarisation effects in electromagnetic wave scattering for applications in remote sensing. It combines, for the first time, the topics of scattering polarimetry and interferometry, and is written in three main sections. In the first four chapters it provides detailed coverage of all major topics of polarimetry, including its basis in electromagnetic scattering theory, the topic of decomposition theorems, and a detailed analysis of the entropy/alpha approach to characterising polarisation effects. In the next chapter it provides a brief introduction to radar interferometry, before developing in three chapters the important new topic of polarimetric interferometry. In this way it provides a complete treatment of the subject, suitable for those working in interferometry who wish to know about polarimetry, or vice versa, as well as those new to the topic who are seeking a one-stop comprehensive treatment of the subject. The emphasis throughout is on the application of these techniques to remote sensing and the book concludes with a set of practical examples to illustrate the theoretical ideas. Useful appendices on matrix algebra, unitary groups and stochastic signal analysis are provided.

This book deals with the theory of atmospheric radiation and radiation transfer, and its application to current problems related to the processes that maintain the global climate of the Earth. It combines aspects of solar radiation; atmospheric radiation; radiation budget theory and measurements; photochemistry; instruments; satellite observations; and prediction models; and applies them to understanding the Earth's climate and current concerns over climate change. Radiation theory is fundamental to the development of climate prediction models, and to measurement techniques for monitoring the Earth's energy budget and making remote sensing observations related to climate from satellites. Such theory and measurements are at the core of the climate change debate. This book describes in detail the basic physics used in the radiative transfer codes that are a key part of climate models. The basic principles are extended to the atmospheres of the Earth and the other planets, illustrating the greenhouse effect and other radiation-based phenomena at work. Several chapters deal with the techniques and measurements for monitoring the Earth's radiation budget, and thus tracking global change and its effects. Remote sensing instruments on satellites and the theory of remote sensing are also covered.