Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00470

Modelling the atmospheric component of differential radar interferometry measurements over volcanoes.

Principal Investigator:: Professor G Wadge, University of Reading, Environmental Systems Science Centre
Co-Investigator:: Dr I James, University of Reading, Meteorology
Grant held at:: University of Reading, Environmental Systems Science Centre

ENRIs:: Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:: Water In The Atmosphere; Tropospheric Processes; Volcanic Processes

Abstract:: Radar interferometry is a remote sensing technique to measure the motion of the ground surface, in this case of volcanoes. It can help to understand and forecast their behaviour. This proposed work will provide a means of removing the effects of water vapour in the lower atmosphere, which is the main limiting factor of the technique. We will do this by simulating the state of the atmosphere over the volcano at the time that the radar satellite creates its image. Using a computer model tuned to the local topography we will combine this with information from a larger model of the atmospheric circulation - the Unified Model of the Met. Office. Our previous work has shown that this is possible. We now need to enable the model to take account of the change of water from vapour to liquid form, and to ensure that the model simulates the atmosphere at exactly the right time. To test our new model we will collect radar data of the Etna volcano from the ENVISAT satellite for two years, in collaboration with colleagues from the volcano observatory in Catania. We expect to be able to demonstrate to them the routine deployment of the technique in near real time.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £96,831

Total - T&S	Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs	Total - Equipment
£2,455	£52,945	£7,076	£24,355	£10,000

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