An investigation into the relationship between synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and beach sediment grain size

Mann, Sophie (2022) An investigation into the relationship between synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and beach sediment grain size. MRes thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Sediment grain size on beaches has been established as a crucial parameter to determine shoreline changes and provide coastal protection. However, traditional surveying techniques are time-consuming, with records becoming outdated quickly. The use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for this application will enable quick surveying of beaches and is particularly useful due to the ability to collect data irrespective of weather-conditions. This study aims to evaluate if there is a relationship between sediment grain size on beaches and the backscatter from satellite SAR data. As part of this investigation, a fieldwork methodology has been constructed and carried out to obtain ground-truth data for beach sediment grain size and elevation. Results show a strong positive correlation between backscatter from C-band Sentinel-1 data and median sediment grain size on beaches. However, only a moderate correlation was found between backscatter from S-band NovaSAR data and median sediment grain size. These results are mainly attributed to the size of the sediment analysed in this study, compared to the SAR wavelength, along with increasing surface roughness as sediment size increases.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (MRes)
Supervisors: Marsh, Stuart
Grebby, Stephen
Keywords: Coastal sediments; Synthetic aperture radar; Backscattering
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GC Oceanography
T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Engineering
Item ID: 71829
Depositing User: Mann, Sophie
Date Deposited: 13 Dec 2022 04:40
Last Modified: 13 Dec 2022 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/71829

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