On Sea Ice Measurement by a C-Band Scatterometer at VV Polarization: Methodology Optimization Based on Computer Simulations

Alexey Nekrasov,Evgeny Abramov,Alena Khachaturian,Mikhail Bogachev,Oleg Markelov

doi:10.3390/rs11212518

Abstract

We consider sea ice and water microwave backscatter features at the C-band with vertical transmit and receive polarization and present a method for sea ice/water discrimination using a multiple fixed fan-beam satellite scatterometer. The method is based on the criterion of the minimum statistical distance of measured backscatter values to the sea ice and water (CMOD7) geophysical model functions. Implementation of the method is considered both for a typical three fan-beam geometry as well as for a potential five fan-beam geometry of a satellite scatterometer. By using computer simulations, we show explicitly that the number of looks at the same cell from different azimuthal directions needs to be increased to provide better (unambiguous) retrieval of the wind vector and sea ice/water discrimination. The algorithms for sea ice/water discrimination are described, and the results obtained are also discussed along with recommendations for the number of different azimuthal looks (beams) at the same cell from the point of view of sea ice/water discrimination as well as unambiguous wind direction retrieval during the satellite’s single pass.

Highlights

Global warming and reduction of areas covered by sea ice have motivated great interest in the development of polar regions
The method is based on the criterion of the minimum statistical distance of measured backscatter values to the sea ice and water (CMOD7) geophysical model functions
As scatterometers have proved their suitability for monitoring the extent, thickness, and motion of sea ice, here we focus on ice and water geophysical model functions (GMF) analysis and their application to sea ice monitoring and discrimination at the C-band using vertical transmit and receive polarization (VV)

Summary

Introduction

Global warming and reduction of areas covered by sea ice have motivated great interest in the development of polar regions. Abstract: We consider sea ice and water microwave backscatter features at the C-band with vertical transmit and receive polarization and present a method for sea ice/water discrimination using a multiple fixed fan-beam satellite scatterometer. We show explicitly that the number of looks at the same cell from different azimuthal directions needs to be increased to provide better (unambiguous) retrieval of the wind vector and sea ice/water discrimination.

Results

Conclusion