Multi-channel algorithm approach to determining melt for Arctic sea ice using passive microwave data

A study was launched to develop a new melt algorithm that would detect the onset of melt from the entire Arctic sea ice basin with no dependence on ice type. The HR melt algorithm developed produces initial dates when sea ice snowpack begins to show melt in the passive microwave remotely sensed data. The melt algorithm was then applied to three years of data to show the robust nature of the algorithm for different ice type locations. The results show that the entire data set now needs to be analyzed to produce a melt climatology. Since a melt algorithm has been established and a melt climatology will be produced. In addition, other locations can be analyzed, since the algorithm produces dates of melt onset that can be compared to other locations within the Arctic Basin. This will allow a more complete understanding of the relationships between the atmospheric effects and the ice conditions, especially considering modeled climate variations.