C-band microwave backscatter of sea ice in the Weddell Sea during the winter of 1992

Abstract

A C-band radar was used to record the backscatter of Antarctic Weddell Sea ice in the winter of 1992. These shipborne microwave signatures are the first of their kind. Calibrated hh and vv-pol signatures were recorded for several ice types as the icebreaker crossed the Weddell Sea. At each site, measurements were made of snow and sea ice characteristics. Meteorological information, radiation budget and oceanographic data were also recorded. A first-year ice result is presented with relation to the sea ice physical properties. In-situ data are used in predictions from a land theoretical model and the results compared with /spl sigmaspl deg/ values, The primary scattering contributions under cold winter conditions come from the air/snow and snow/ice interfaces. Time-series data indicate C-band is sensitive to snow and ice physical changes as a result of climatic and oceanographic forcing. >