Satellite-based Monitoring of the Arctic Polar Regions
Abstract
Satellite radars are well suited to monitor the Arctic Polar Regions (APRs) north of 65N because these radars provide their own illu"mination during the long, dark months and inclement weather conditions. Synthetic aperture radars (SARs) are sensitive to the contin"uously changing ice-scape in the Arctic Region and allow imaging with different beam modes (small spotlighted footprints to wide are"a coverage) and resolutions. High-resolution, panchromatic and multi-spectral optical satellite sensors would complement the foundat""ion radar reference data and provide context for analyzing SAR data for ice classification, open water fraction, melt pond and floe" size distributions. Satellite data collections will cover sea ice extent from a global persepctive will monitor specific areas of i"nterest (AOIs) as well as supporting on-going experiments including in-situ buoy clusters and ice camps, gliders and drifting buoys."The goal is to provide a stronger foundation of geospatial reference data for the Navy to allow improved knowledge and understanding of the sea ice environment in the Arctic Polar Regions. through a stronger foundation of geospatial reference data. The Navy has begun trying to understand the changing dynamics of Arctic sea ice and the establishment of a stronger foundation of geospatial reference data will allow generating products for operational use of the marginal ice zone (MIZ) ice climatology and be used as validatio"n, boundary conditions, and initialization to numerical ice-ocean forecast models. This type of data set would allow for more effect""ive analysis of climate and weather trends; improve responses to catastrophes (e.g. oil spill, shipping accidents); and facilitate u""nderstanding of geological dynamics, as they relate to natural resource extraction.Furthermore, it will improve the Navy~s operatio""nal capabilities, expertise, and capacity, extending reach, and will ensure U.S. sovereignty and freedom of the seas by contributing"" to maritime domain awareness. It will also support the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners in Search and Rescue missions, environme"ntal response and aid in disaster response/defense support of Civil Authorities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141812007
Entities
People
- Hans Graber
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Miami