Generation of Sea Ice Geophysical Flux Estimates Utilizing a Multisensor Data Processor in Preparation for the RADARSAT and EOS Eras,
Abstract
A geophysical processor for deriving sea ice type and ice motion information from sequential SAR image data has been designed and is in implementation phase for use with ERS-1 SAR data at the Alaska SAR Facility (ASF). This SAR ice data processor, called the ASF Geophysical Processing System, or ASF-GPS, will be in place for launch in May 1991. Descriptions of the salient aspects of ASF-GPS and its current status are, presented. The next step in the evolution of processors for geophysical descriptions of sea ice is now in design phase; it involves the utilization of data from other sensors and sources and the generation of higher-level products. The augmented data are environmental, e.g., weather agency analyses, satellite-derived surface temperatures and drifting buoy data. These data serve to (1) improve the performance of the basic data product generation, the ice type and motion data sets, by increasing accuracy and shortening processing time, and (2) extend the level of the data products by computation of key geophysical fluxes. Geophysical quantities required from the sea ice processor include the surface heat, momentum, brine and freshwater fluxes, radiation balance, snow cover, melt pond cover and thermodynamic state. The estimation of two of these fluxes, brine and freshwater, is discussed, and the requirements for suitable environmental data are also presented. Finally, the system design of the ASF-GPS and the follow-on processor, designed initially to utilize SAR data from RADARSAT with weather and other inputs, e.g., AVHRR, and, after upgrade, from the suite of EOS instruments, will be presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP007270
Entities
People
- Benjamin Holt
- Frank Carsey
- John Curlander
- Ron Kwok
Organizations
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory