Four Years of Low Altitude Sea Ice Broadband Backscatter Measurements.
Abstract
The ability to use radar to discriminate Arctic Sea ice types has been investigated using surface-based and helicopter-borne scatterometer systems. The surface-based FM/CW radar operated at 1.5 GHz and at multiple frequencies in the 8-18 GHz region. Measurements were made at angles of 10 degrees to 70 degrees from nadir. The helicopter-based radar operated at the 8-18 GHz frequencies with incidence angles of 0 degrees to 60 degrees. Extensive surface-truth measurements were made at or near the time of backscatter measurement to describe the physical and electrical properties of the polar scene. Measurements in the 8-18 GHz region verify the ability to discriminate multiyear, thick first-year, thin first-year, and pressure-ridged sea ice and lake ice. The lowest frequency, 9 GHz, was found to provide the greatest contrast between these ice categories, with significant levels of separation existing between angles from 15 degrees to 70 degrees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA105587
Entities
People
- C. Delker
- R. G. Onstott
- R. K. Moore
- Sandeep Gogineni
Organizations
- University of Kansas