The University of Miami's (UM) Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS) has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Office of Naval Research to continue collecting, processing and disseminating data from global Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite systems. The goal of the project is to provide SAR imagery collected in near-real time to aid in U.S. Navy operations around the world.

The first phase of the grant will allow CSTARS scientists to procure processing terminals that will assist in the development of hardware and software for next generation of commercial imagery. CSTARS will continue to develop its numerous algorithms of image analysis using new imaging modes and insights derived from research and testing of data with the availability of the new satellite sensors.

"We are very pleased to be working with the ONR on this project, which will allow us to continue to provide the U.S. Navy Fleet with valuable images and research products from commercial satellites," said Dr. Hans Graber, UM professor and executive director of CSTARS.

"Through this collaboration we will be able to fuse radar and optical data to derive advanced products that will allow us to understand better oceanographic, sea ice and terrestrial processes. With this solidifying support of our infrastructure from the Navy, CSTARS can continue its track record for excellence in research and the education of students using satellite remote sensing data."

Subsequent phases will focus on the implementation of specific research applications - from the determination of oceanographic features such as winds and waves in typhoons and hurricanes, to disaster response. Other applications will include studies of Arctic sea ice and environmental monitoring, as well as mapping and change detection.

"We are very excited by this new contract that will strengthen the relation between our School and ONR," said Dr. Roni Avissar, dean of UM's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. "We are especially appreciative of Professor Graber's leadership in bringing this opportunity to the School."

CSTARS' researchers and students are working on several ONR funded projects studying dynamic processes at river mouths such as changes caused by strong surface currents and bathymetric features; the impact of melting and freezing cycles of ice distribution in the Marginal Ice Zone and how sea state breaks up ice; as well as understanding intensity changes in typhoons for improved storm forecasting.