With frequent observations from the year-old Sentinel-1A radar satellite scientists are improving the remote sensing technique to map ground deformation, opening new doors for earthquake and volcano monitoring.

Scientists are making advances in the use of satellite radar data - such as those from the Sentinel-1 mission - to monitor Earth's changing surface.

In this study scientists investigate the properties of metrics derived from the availability of repeated acquisitions of Envisat Advanced SAR (ASAR) data, acquired in the moderate resolution (150 m) Wide Swath Mode (WSM), to demonstrate their usefulness in the context of land surface characterisation and assess the potential of moderate resolution SAR data to complement classification of water bodies in global land cover products with particular regard to the detection of open water bodies.

The first satellite-based service for extensive and uninterrupted monitoring and mapping of land stability has won the top prize in the European Earth-monitoring competition.

Imaging Earth's land with unprecedented speed and resolution has come another step closer as the next Sentinel satellite has been given its solar wing and started a strenuous six-month test campaign to make sure that it is fit for launch next April.

Although it was only launched a few months ago and is still being commissioned, the new Sentinel-1A radar satellite has already shown that it can be used to generate 3D models of Earth's surface and will be able to closely monitor land and ice surface deformation.

As ESA and China mark a decade of cooperation, imagery over China's Poyang lake is testament to the new Sentinel satellite's promise of continued radar data acquisition for a multitude of applications.

From climate change monitoring to supporting humanitarian aid and crisis situations, early data applications from the month-old Sentinel-1A satellite show how the radar mission's critical observations can be used to keep us and our planet safe.

Sentinel-1A, Europe's first satellite for Copernicus, is almost ready for launch on 3 April. Meanwhile, ESA is showing how its advanced radar will map ice, monitor subsidence and much more.

The 2014 World Wetlands Day highlights the need for wetlands and the agriculture sector to work together. ESA's GlobWetland II project assists Mediterranean countries in the sustainable use of these areas and demonstrates the evolution of wetlands and agricultural patterns over time.