Skip to main content

Snow Geophysics and Remote Sensing Graduate Opportunities starting January 2021 Boise State University.






Snow Geophysics and Remote Sensing Graduate Opportunities starting January 2021 Boise State University

The Department of Geosciences at Boise State University (Boise, Idaho, USA) has immediate openings for MSc and PhD geophysics applications on a project funded by the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) entitled "Advancement of snow monitoring for water resources, vehicle mobility, and hazard mitigation: using optical, microwave, acoustic, and seismic techniques". This project aims to improve our ability to map snow properties related to hydrology and vehicle mobility, and to monitor avalanche events, using remote sensing and geophysics.  

Graduate positions are currently available to focus on 1) LiDAR and optical remote sensing of snow, 2) ground-based and InSAR radar remote sensing of snow, and 3) seismo-acoustic sensing of snow. All three projects involve data acquisition with state-of-the-art instrumentation, numerical modeling, interpretation, and analysis.  

Requirements

For all applicants, a prior degree in geophysics, engineering, physics, applied mathematics, remote sensing, or related fields is desired, with proficient skills in statistical data analysis and scientific programming (R, Python, Fortran, Matlab, or similar). Interest in snow and ice physics is expected. Experience in numerical modelling, working with Unix-like operating systems, and data acquisition, is an advantage. Good written and oral English language communication skills are expected.

Further Information

 For further information please visit http://earth.boisestate.edu or contact Hans-Peter Marshall (hpmarshall@boisestate.edu, 208-426-1416). Co-PIs Ellyn Enderlin, Dylan Mikesell, Lee Liberty, Jeff Johnson, and Jake Anderson can be contacted as well. 

The place of employment will be Boise, Idaho, USA, a metropolitan area with many outdoor opportunities close by. The targeted starting date is 1 January 2021.

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy and we strongly encourage people from underrepresented minority groups and women to apply.

We look forward to your application! Please see this link for more information about our graduate program and how to apply. 








Vineesh V
Assistant Professor of Geography,
Directorate of Education,
Government of Kerala.
https://www.facebook.com/Applied.Geography
http://geogisgeo.blogspot.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Radar Remote Sensing SAR

1. Radar and Radar Remote Sensing RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging . It is an active remote sensing system that transmits microwave energy toward the Earth's surface and records the energy that is returned to the sensor as an echo or backscatter . Unlike passive optical remote sensing, radar does not depend on sunlight. Therefore, it can operate day and night and, at suitable wavelengths, can acquire data through clouds, haze and light rain. Hence, radar is widely described as an all-weather, day-and-night remote sensing technology . Basic principle Microwave pulse → transmission → interaction with surface → backscatter/echo → antenna receives signal → signal processing → radar image 2. Microwave Energy Radar systems use microwave electromagnetic radiation , generally in wavelength ranges from approximately 1 mm to 1 m . Important radar bands include: Band Approx. wavelength Common applications ...

Atmospheric Window

The atmospheric window in remote sensing refers to specific wavelength ranges within the electromagnetic spectrum that can pass through the Earth's atmosphere relatively unimpeded. These windows are crucial for remote sensing applications because they allow us to observe the Earth's surface and atmosphere without significant interference from the atmosphere's constituents. Key facts and concepts about atmospheric windows: Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR) window: This window encompasses wavelengths from approximately 0. 4 to 1. 0 micrometers. It is ideal for observing vegetation, water bodies, and land cover types. Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) window: This window covers wavelengths from approximately 1. 0 to 3. 0 micrometers. It is particularly useful for detecting minerals, water content, and vegetation health. Mid-Infrared (MIR) window: This window spans wavelengths from approximately 3. 0 to 8. 0 micrometers. It is valuable for identifying various materials, incl...

Lidar

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an active remote sensing technology that measures distances by illuminating a target with laser pulses and analyzing the time it takes for the reflected light to return. Unlike passive systems (e.g., cameras, multispectral sensors), LiDAR provides its own energy source (laser), allowing it to operate both day and night and even penetrate through vegetation canopies . 🔹 How LiDAR Works (Step-by-Step Process) Laser Pulse Emission The system emits rapid, short pulses of laser light (commonly in the near-infrared wavelength, 1064 nm ). Some systems emit up to hundreds of thousands of pulses per second . Interaction with Target Surface The laser beam strikes objects such as vegetation, buildings, or bare ground. Depending on the object's structure, part of the pulse may scatter or reflect. Return Signal Detection The sensor records multiple returns : First Return → typically vegetation canopy tops. ...

Radar image. Polarization in Remote Sensing

L band radars operate on a wavelength of 15-30 cm and a frequency of 1-2 GHz. L band radars are mostly used for clear air turbulence studies. S band radars operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm and a frequency of 2-4 GHz. Because of the wavelength and frequency, S band radars are not easily attenuated. . Polarization refers to the direction of travel of an electromagnetic wave vector's tip: vertical (up and down), horizontal (left to right), or  circular (rotating in a constant plane left or right). . a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution imaging. a radar altimeter, to measure the ocean topography. echo amplitude a wind scatterometer to measure wind speed and direction. Other types of radars have been flown for Earth observation missions: precipitation radars such as the  Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, or cloud radars like the one used on Cloudsat. . RISAT-1 (SAR, ISRO India, 2012) RORSAT (SAR, Soviet Union, 1967-1988) Seasat (SAR, altimeter, scatterometer, US, 19...

Geometric Correction

When satellite or aerial images are captured, they often contain distortions (errors in shape, scale, or position) caused by many factors — like Earth's curvature, satellite motion, terrain height (relief), or the Earth's rotation . These distortions make the image not properly aligned with real-world coordinates (latitude and longitude). 👉 Geometric correction is the process of removing these distortions so that every pixel in the image correctly represents its location on the Earth's surface. After geometric correction, the image becomes geographically referenced and can be used with maps and GIS data. Types  1. Systematic Correction Systematic errors are predictable and can be modeled mathematically. They occur due to the geometry and movement of the satellite sensor or the Earth. Common systematic distortions: Scan skew – due to the motion of the sensor as it scans the Earth. Mirror velocity variation – scanning mirror moves at a va...