The aim of this course is to allow the student to appreciate the methods used to make atmospheric measurements and to understand the physical principles behind these techniques. The course id divided into two sections. Prof. Jack Baggaley and Prof. Robert Vincent will lecture on the first part of the course (taught in Term 1) which will deal with the use of radar in atmospheric remote sensing. The fundamental principles of radar will be discussed and the physics underlying the scattering processes observed will be examined in some detail. The calculation of antenna polar diagrams will also be discussed Two atmospheric remote sensing radar systems will be also be detailed briefly, these being Meteor radar and ST radar systems. Students will also visit the Birdlings Flat radar field site to examine working atmospheric remote sensing radars.
The second part of the course (taught in Term 2) will be presented by Dr. Adrian McDonald. This part of this course will focus on the physical principles underlying optical remote sensing. The difference between passive and active remote sensing techniques will then be discussed. Passive ground-based and Satellite-base remote sensing systems will then be discussed. Specific instruments will be discussed to explain the use of general techniques. For example, the Dobson spectrophotometer will be discussed in some detail. The final portion of the course in Term 3 will deal with Active optical remote sensing techniques, such as Lidar (Light detection and ranging).
The final grade for the course will depend on -
Assignments (40%)
Final Examination (60%)
Two assignments will be given in Term 1 and two in Term 2. The final examination will test the course material taught throughout the course.
Contact details
Email:adrian.mcdonald@cantebury.ac.nz
Telephone extension:6281
Room: 822, Rutherford Building