PhD position at EPFL - LTE
Estimation of precipitation using telecommunication microwave links
A microwave link consists of a transmitter sending a microwave signal (usually from about 10 to about 50 GHz) to a receiver at the other end. Its path is typically of the order of 10 km, at a few tens of meters above the ground. At microwave frequencies, the attenuation affecting the link signal when propagating through precipitation is nearly proportional to the rain rate.
Combining several path-averaged rain rate estimates with a tomography approach, it is possible to obtain maps of precipitation. Recently, the feasibility to estimate rain rate using commercial microwave links operated by telecommunication companies has been demonstrated.
Because of the extended coverage of commercial networks, this technique has a great potential to complement rain gauge and radar networks, especially in mountainous regions. It is therefore necessary to investigate the uncertainties aecting link estimates of precipitation in an Alpine context: frequent snowfall, rugged topography. Moreover, the uncertainties introduced by tomography techniques must also be addressed: neighboring links may have different frequencies and specific geometries for example.
The present project aims at investigating the estimation of precipitation in mountainous regions using telecommunication microwave links and at assessing the added value with respect to existing precipitation measurement networks. The focus will be on
1. Development of techniques to merge various sources of precipitation data.
2. Snowfall estimation.
3. Development of appropriate tomography techniques for precipitation mapping in mountainous regions.
4. Participation to eld campaigns involving links, rain gauges, disdrometers and radars.
Starting as soon as possible, this is a 4-year position at LTE, EPF Lausanne, Switzerland, with a competitive salary (starting at 52 000 CHF / year). Review of the applications will continue until the position is filled.
Background in statistics and programming is required. Background in one of the following areas is desirable: remote sensing, meteorology, tomography. Applications should include a CV, a statement of research interests and qualications, and contact details of three academic referees in electronic form.
Contact
A. Berne
Laboratoire de Teldetection Environnementale
EPFL
Bat. GR, Station 2 CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Alexis.Berne@ep.ch
http://lte.ep.ch
Estimation of precipitation using telecommunication microwave links
A microwave link consists of a transmitter sending a microwave signal (usually from about 10 to about 50 GHz) to a receiver at the other end. Its path is typically of the order of 10 km, at a few tens of meters above the ground. At microwave frequencies, the attenuation affecting the link signal when propagating through precipitation is nearly proportional to the rain rate.
Combining several path-averaged rain rate estimates with a tomography approach, it is possible to obtain maps of precipitation. Recently, the feasibility to estimate rain rate using commercial microwave links operated by telecommunication companies has been demonstrated.
Because of the extended coverage of commercial networks, this technique has a great potential to complement rain gauge and radar networks, especially in mountainous regions. It is therefore necessary to investigate the uncertainties aecting link estimates of precipitation in an Alpine context: frequent snowfall, rugged topography. Moreover, the uncertainties introduced by tomography techniques must also be addressed: neighboring links may have different frequencies and specific geometries for example.
The present project aims at investigating the estimation of precipitation in mountainous regions using telecommunication microwave links and at assessing the added value with respect to existing precipitation measurement networks. The focus will be on
1. Development of techniques to merge various sources of precipitation data.
2. Snowfall estimation.
3. Development of appropriate tomography techniques for precipitation mapping in mountainous regions.
4. Participation to eld campaigns involving links, rain gauges, disdrometers and radars.
Starting as soon as possible, this is a 4-year position at LTE, EPF Lausanne, Switzerland, with a competitive salary (starting at 52 000 CHF / year). Review of the applications will continue until the position is filled.
Background in statistics and programming is required. Background in one of the following areas is desirable: remote sensing, meteorology, tomography. Applications should include a CV, a statement of research interests and qualications, and contact details of three academic referees in electronic form.
Contact
A. Berne
Laboratoire de Teldetection Environnementale
EPFL
Bat. GR, Station 2 CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Alexis.Berne@ep.ch
http://lte.ep.ch
