Potential of SAR in detecting and monitoring icebergs

Abstract

The almost all-weather, day/night operational capability and large area coverage of imaging radar systems are particularly useful for surveillance of the iceberg infested regions of the ocean. Prevailing bad weather conditions and lack of daylight conditions most of the time, preclude visual or infrared observations. The ability of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to achieve fine spatial resolution, from both spacecraft and aircraft altitudes, which is independent of range and wavelength, is most suitable in providing repetitive and timely coverage required for detecting and tracking icebergs. The detection of icebergs on SAR imagery is, among other things, dependent on the presented contrast between it and its surroundings of open water or sea ice. The results obtained from the analysis of the 4-channel digital radar data of an iceberg imaged during Project SAR '77 are presented and discussed. Based on these results and other considerations, an assessment of the capabilities and limitations of SAR in detecting and tracking icebergs is provided.