Oceanographers study how waves move through the ocean and how the air and sea interact. The ocean is a reservoir for heat and energy, and the air-sea interaction moves this heat and energy around the globe regulating the Earth's climate. SAR data are used to enhance studies of upper-ocean, lower atmosphere, and surface currents. SAR data are additionally seen as an important tool for regulatory functions, environmental quality, and commercial operations. The primary applications include search and rescue, fisheries management, coastline monitoring, and ship detection and routing.
Geologists study the present surface of the Earth.
By observing older rocks they can determine how an area came to be and what it may have looked in the past. SAR data have shown braided channels beneath an old river valley in the Sahara desert. On the ground this big valley and the channels in it are invisible because they are entirely covered with sand. Geologists think this large valley was carved by one of several ancient predecessor rivers that crossed North Africa. A Major Imperative for Africa Space-borne imagery using synthetic aperture radar technology is extremely important for continental security.