Towards Identification of Optimum Radar Parameters for Sea-Ice Monitoring

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Kim, Y. S., Moore, R. K., Onstott, R. G., Gogineni, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1985
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000006523; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000006523

Abstract Various field experiments have shown that microwave radars can be used to distinguish multi-year from first-year ice, although optimum radar parameters are not yet fully defined. This paper presents the results from two theoretical models that, using selected physical parameters of sea ice, are able to predict the backscattering from multi-year and first-year ice under cold conditions. The possible ranges of the backscattering coefficient under various conditions (surface roughness, salinity, temperature, density, and air-bubble size) are calculated for multi-year and first-year ice by adjusting the parameters within the reported range of values. Although the calculations show no specific resonance that would favor any particular frequency or incidence angles, the results confirm the experimental findings that Ku- and X-band frequencies, and incidence angles greater than 30°, are better for distinguishing sea-ice types than lower frequencies.