A comparative analysis of data on multiyear sea ice distribution in the Arctic as retrieved from satellite passive microwave radiometer and radar images

This study deals with a comparison of estimates on multiyear sea ice distribution in the Arctic, derived from SSM/I data using NORSEX algorithm and from satellite radar. Conducted analysis revealed qualitative correspondence of these estimates, as well as underestimation of SSM/S-derived values. The difference between these estimates can be explained by some inaccuracy in the input parameters, such as sea ice emissivities, air and ice temperatures, as well as by their spatial and temporal variations.