MWR (ERS)
Instrument Overview
The main objective of the microwave radiometer (MWR) on board ERS-1 and ERS-2 was the measurement of the integrated atmospheric water vapour column and cloud liquid water content, as correction terms for the signal of the radar altimeter (RA) on board the satellites.
In addition, MWR measurement data were useful for the determination of surface emissivity and soil moisture over land, for surface energy budget investigations to support atmospheric studies, and for ice characterisation.
The ERS-1 mission ended on 10 March 2000 and MWR measurements were continued on board the ERS-2 satellite which was retired on 5 September 2011.
Data Description
All MWR ERS-1 and ERS-2 products, in accordance with ESA Earth Observation Data Policy, are freely available to users. Read more about the available MWR products:
Documentation
- Details on the operational processing of Radar Altimeter and ATSR/MW (microwave radiometer) data is provided in the "RA/ATSR products - User Manual"
- During the full-mission reprocessing of the ESA ERS Radar Altimetry (RA), a non optimal MWR inter-calibration activity resulted in a poor MWR wet tropospheric correction in the REAPER products. More details available in the REAPER Product Handbook.
Data Tools
Sentinel Application Platform
Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) is a common architecture for all Sentinel Toolboxes. It is ideal for Earth Observation processing and analysis due to technological innovations.
Cal/Val
The goal of MWR calibration and validation activities was to verify the accuracy and quality of data the instrument acquired. MWR Validation documents are available.
Quality Control Reports
Quality Control is monitoring routinely the status of the spacecraft (payload and platform) and to check if the derived products meet the quality requirements along mission life-time. MWR Cyclic Quality Control Reports are available.