Sea ice observed at enhanced resolution by spaceborne scatterometers

Spaceborne scatterometers such as the Seasat-A (SASS) and the ERS-1 Active Microwave Instrument scatterometers measure the radar backscatter of the Earth's surface at a resolution of approximately 50 km. While adequate for studying winds over the ocean, the low resolution limits the utility of the scatterometer data for land and ice studies. However, by using a resolution enhancement algorithm the authors have been able to produce a time series of enhanced resolution radar backscatter of sea ice in the southern polar region. The images dramatically reveal seasonal change in the sea ice. Large-scale circulation and mixing patterns are evident and the ice edge is readily discernible. Comparisons between Ku-band (SASS) images and C-band (ERS-1) images are made. The authors' results suggest that scatterometer data coupled with the resolution enhancement technique are useful in sea ice studies. The frequent, multiple-incidence angle revisits may provide the capability to map ice age and snow cover.<
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