Microwave Satellite Systems for Hydrological Monitoring

This paper considers existing and promising satellite microwave radiometry systems suitable for the evaluation of geophysical (hydrological) parameters of atmosphere, ocean, and land. A comparative analysis is provided for data sets available for end-users. Algorithms and tools for processing and visualization of satellite data are discussed. The capabilities of modern satellite systems to perform specific tasks of remote sensing are described using the example of a river flood in the Altai region in 2014. Monitoring soil moisture of upper layers of soil on floodplains combined with meteorological forecasts allows assessment of the probability of river flooding at certain areas using values of maximum soil moisture capacity. The effect of changes in the physical properties of ice during its destruction is discussed. This effect has been discovered by analyzing the dynamics of daily satellite measurements of brightness temperatures. It can be considered as a harbinger of ice condition changes of large freshwater bodies. The analysis of brightness temperature seasonal variations is presented using the example of Lake Big Bear (Canada).