The influence of cloud cover on the microwave scattering coefficient (/spl sigma//spl deg/) of first-year and multiyear sea ice

Over sea ice, the shift from predominantly clear conditions in winter to persistent stratus cloud cover in late spring and early summer coincides with a dramatic increase in the net radiation balance at the sea ice surface. Transformation of the boundary layer climate and the geophysical properties of the snow covered sea ice result from this cloud-induced rise in surface energy balance. The authors examine the extent to which changes in surface radiation, sea ice physical and electrical properties, and microwave scattering are a function of clear versus cloudy conditions over first-year and multi-year sea ice types.