Interannual variability in Weddell Sea ice from ERS Wind Scatterometer

ERS-1/2 SAR and wind Scatterometer data are analyzed together with SSM/I radiometer data to investigate interannual variability in Weddell Sea ice and summer melt signatures during the period 1992-1997. Simultaneous SAR and scatterometer images were obtained during a February 1995 cruise of the H.M.S. Endurance and aerial photographs collected for validation of the observations. Accompanying field data are used to illustrate observed variability, and to validate the first ever observation of extensive summer melt ponding in the Weddell Sea.