What does "Sentinel-1" mean?
Table of Contents
Sentinel-1 is a satellite system that uses a special type of radar called Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This radar can see through clouds and work both day and night, making it very useful for observing the Earth.
How It Works
Sentinel-1 sends out radar signals that bounce back from the Earth's surface. By analyzing these signals, scientists can gather important information about land and water conditions. This is especially helpful for tracking things like floods, droughts, and changes in land cover.
Applications
Sentinel-1 plays a key role in disaster management. It helps detect where floods have occurred and can monitor changes in river levels. For example, it can show how much a river has shrunk during a drought. It provides accurate and timely information that can aid in decision-making during emergencies.
Monitoring Vegetation
The satellite also supports agricultural monitoring by providing data on plant health. By combining data from Sentinel-1 with other satellite sources, scientists can track how grasslands and crops are doing, even when clouds cover the sky.
Importance in Research
Researchers use Sentinel-1 data to improve methods for mapping water surfaces and assessing environmental changes. The information gathered can support various studies and enhance our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and their responses to climate events.