Backscatter Characteristics of the Winter Sea Ice Cover in the Beaufort

The microwave backscatter statistics of the sea ice cover in the winter Beaufort Sea were characterized using C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data collected by ERS-1. Sea ice backscatter signatures were sampled from SAR image data collected during the winter of 1991/92 and winter of 1992/93. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kwok, R., Cunningham, G. F.
Language:English
Published: 2004
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/2014/35373
Description
Summary:The microwave backscatter statistics of the sea ice cover in the winter Beaufort Sea were characterized using C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data collected by ERS-1. Sea ice backscatter signatures were sampled from SAR image data collected during the winter of 1991/92 and winter of 1992/93. The spatial and temporal variabilities of the backscatter signatures of different ice types are discussed. The results show considerable seasonal stability of the backscatter signature of multi-year ice as well as first-year ice. Small amplitude regional variations of the multi-year ice backscatter can be observed. Consistent contrast between multiyear ice and first-year ice is maintained throughout the season.