Investigation of inhomogeneity parameters of ERS-2 wave mode image

• Main Authors: Song, G., Lehner, S., Schulz-Stellenfleth, J., Grassl, H.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Arctic; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-000A-2819-E; http://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-000A-5660-9

In order to classify different types of globally distributed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) wave mode images, which are acquired over the ocean for wind speed and sea state measurements, we develop a new scheme to differentiate images showing ocean wave, sea ice and surface slicks. A new classification parameter has been developed using 1535 SAR wave mode images to differentiate homogeneous and inhomoge-neous images. The new parameter is applied to two years of images. Comparison of the performance using the new parameter and inhomogeneity parameter (IH) defined in [1] are given. In the Arctic area the results of two parameters are compared to Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) ice concentration data. The global distribution of inhomogeneous images is analyzed. Inhomegeneity in ice-free SAR images was found to be mainly due to low wind speed.