Abstract
This paper documents the retrieval of significant ocean surface wave heights in the Arctic Ocean from CryoSat-2 data. We use a semi-analytical model for an idealised synthetic aperture satellite radar or pulse-limited radar altimeter echo power. We develop a processing methodology that specifically considers both the Synthetic Aperture and Pulse Limited modes of the radar that change close to the sea ice edge within the Arctic Ocean. All CryoSat-2 echoes to date were matched by our idealised echo revealing wave heights over the period 2011–2019. Our retrieved data were contrasted to existing processing of CryoSat-2 data and wave model data, showing the improved fidelity and accuracy of the semi-analytical echo power model and the newly developed processing methods. We contrasted our data to in situ wave buoy measurements, showing improved data retrievals in seasonal sea ice covered seas. We have shown the importance of directly considering the correct satellite mode of operation in the Arctic Ocean where SAR is the dominant operating mode. Our new data are of specific use for wave model validation close to the sea ice edge and is available at the link in the data availability statement.
Highlights
The climate of the Arctic Ocean is influenced by the presence of sea-ice—the frozen ocean surface that sits between and dominates atmosphere and ocean interactions
Ocean gravity waves interact with the sea ice that floats upon the ocean surface throughout the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ): a region potentially 100 s of km wide [4]
All data over 60◦ N are selected and identified as open ocean for pulse peakiness
Summary
The climate of the Arctic Ocean is influenced by the presence of sea-ice—the frozen ocean surface that sits between and dominates atmosphere and ocean interactions. [11] asses the performance of a variety of wave model parameterisations against observations in the north west Atlantic in the presence of sea ice and ocean currents showing the importance of wave scattering by sea ice floes in the MIZ The validation of such models is challenging due to the limited availability of wave data within pack ice, and the rapidly changing wind and wind driven wave state. [12] contrast differing satellite sea ice concentration data, showing how the difference between them alters hindcasts by the WaveWatch 3 wave model for 2018 in the Chukchi Sea. Ref. While LRM mode continues the data coverage of past and future ocean surface altimetry, SAR mode gives increased information on sea-ice covered seas and SARIn model is used to investigate the elevation and movement of ice sheets and glaciers.
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