Remote Sensing
Description
Remote sensing research focuses on the measurement and interpretation of atmospheric properties from the troposphere through the mesosphere. The primary instrumental systems are ground-based radars, operating at frequencies from 2 MHz through 900 MHz and beyond. The program also works with the verification of satellite-based measurement systems as well. Sites are operated world-wide -- from the South Pole to Greenland -- with a main research site at Platteville, CO. Students cover all aspects of remote sensing systems, from radio frequency design through data acquisition, signal and data processing, and interpretation of the physical phenomena. In general, a systems engineering approach to the problems is used, requiring students to be adept at more than one narrow area of expertise. Additional information is available at http://grison.colorado.edu/group/. Students are also encouraged to participate in the campus-wide certificate program in remote sensing.
The group works extensively with
Adjunct Prof. Ben Balsley, who specializes in unusual platforms such as
large-scale kites and powered parachutes, and Asst. Prof. Scott Palo and
Prof. Jeff Forbes, who are members of the Aerospace Engineering Sciences
department. Additional collaboration occurs with members of the local
laboratories of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
with the
Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences.
Graduate Courses
ECEN 5254, Radar and Remote SensingECEN 5264, Propagation Effects on Satellite and Deep-Space Telecommunications
ECEN 5274, Radar Science and Techniques
Other selected courses in signal processing and electromagnetics, including
ECEN 5114,
Waveguides and Transmission Lines
ECEN 5134,
Electromagnetic Radiation and Antennas
ECEN 5612,
Noise and Random Processes
ECEN 5632,
Theory and Application of Digital Filtering
ECEN 5642,
Modern Methods of Spectral Estimation
ECEN 5652.
Detection and Extraction of Signals from Noise
Courses in atmospheric physics are also recommended.
Research Topics
Current research topics include the design and development of wind profiling radars at VHF and UHF frequencies; the application of new signal processing techniques for real time detection of radar signals; the analysis of radar data using various spectral estimation techniques for atmospheric motions; a hardware system development for measuring mesospheric wind motions; and synthesis of satellite and ground-based radar for precipitation and climate studies.Faculty
J.P. Avery (Ph.D., Illinois), atmospheric remote sensing, data acquisition, radar development, radar development, radar operation and installation, assistive technology.S.K. Avery (Ph.D., Illinois), atmospheric remote sensing, atmospheric radar, dynamics of the atmosphere, climate studies.
