Possible Applications of GEOSAT-A Radar Altimeter Data to Ice Forecasting in Polar Regions
Abstract
Backscatter data recorded by satellite-borne radar altimeters that cross polar regions are potential sources of information that can be used to assess the general character of the ice pack, to locate the edge of ice-covered seas, and to delineate polynyas, leads, and areas of open water within the pack. Use of the GEOSAT-A altimeter to acquire these data is severely limited, however, by failure of the instrument to track over ice, the large footprint size characteristic of the satellite sensor (2 km to 7 km), and coverage to only 72 deg latitude. Use of the radar altimeter as a Ku-band microwave scatterometer might permit ice surface roughness and age to be predicted from backscatter waveforms. Extraction of this information requires either that the satellite be re-designed to track over ice, or that numerical methods be developed to rectify distorted waveforms acquired over ice. In contrast, ice-water boundaries will be recorded clearly in the backscattered signal by virtue of increases in noise that result from the absence of tracking capability. The precision with which ice edges can be located and the accuracy with which marginal ice zones conditions can be predicted are limited, however, by the altimeter footprint size.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124029
Entities
People
- Duane T. Eppler
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory