Large scale Antarctic features captured by multi-frequency scanning microwave radiometer on-board OCEANSAT-1

This paper discusses the features observed over the Antarctic in the passive microwave emission region by the multi-frequency scanning microwave radiometer (MSMR) instrument on-board the Indian remote sensing satellite IRS-P4, now called OCEANSAT-1. Brightness temperature images produced from MSMR s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vyas, NK, Dash, MK, Bhandari, SM, Khare, N, Mitra, A, Pandey, PC
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Indian Academy of Sciences 2001
Subjects:
Online Access:http://moeseprints.incois.gov.in/579/
http://moeseprints.incois.gov.in/579/1/1319.pdf
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Summary:This paper discusses the features observed over the Antarctic in the passive microwave emission region by the multi-frequency scanning microwave radiometer (MSMR) instrument on-board the Indian remote sensing satellite IRS-P4, now called OCEANSAT-1. Brightness temperature images produced from MSMR show a clear distinction between open water and sea-ice-covered regions. It is also possible to differentiate several levels of ice concentration in the Antarctic Circumpolar Ocean. A number of land features like the Trans-Antarctic Mountain Ranges, part of Gamburtsev sub-glacial mountains, Wilkes and Aurora sub-glacial basins, etc. can be demarcated as well. The consistent quality and regular availability of MSMR data since June 1999 serve as a very useful tool in all-weather day-and-night monitoring of the Antarctic region. MSMR data used in continuation of ESMR, SMMR and SSM/I data, would prove valuable in the study of long-term changes in the polar cryosphere associated with global climate change.