Microwave Signatures and Physical Characteristics of Snow Covered and Desalinated Young Sea Ice
Abstract
Young sea ice with a snow cover experiences rapid metamorphosis at the snow ice interface due to the high salinity at the ice surface and the insulating effects of the snow. As a result, a slush layer often appears even under cold conditions which gives rise to significant modifications in the microwave signatures. Time series of observations and accompanying analysis will be reported for selected cases. Bare young sea ice which underwent several melt-freeze cycles was also observed. In this case the ice sheet became almost completely desalinated giving rise to a stable signature intermediate between those of open water and the original ice sheet. Observations and a brief theoretical study are presented. (mm)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA230736
Entities
People
- A. W. Lohanick
- C. T. Swift
- T. C. Grenfell
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory