Remote Sensing & Assimilation

Main activities of the remote sensing research group are concerned with the analysis and interpretation of satellite data. The primary objective of our research efforts is to obtain maximum information possible about ocean and ice processes, and understand their dynamics and their impact for the Earth system. Our wide range research deals with remote sensing of ocean properties (temperature, sea level, currents), sea ice (coverage, drift, thickness) and hydrological applications (river run-out, snow thickness). For that purpose, existing retrieval methods will be applied and - where necessary -  improved. New retrieval algorithms will be developed where required.

An essential task exists in applying satellite data  in combination with in situ data and numerical models for ocean, climate and earth system studies. The remote sensing group is actively pursuing the  assimilation of satellite data -  jointly with in situ observations -  into ocean and ice models to obtain best possible descriptions of ocean and ice dynamics. Data and observations used for this purpose originate primarily from space-borne sensors but also from airborne and ground-based sensors.