In Situ Passive Microwave and UAV Observations of Early Summer Sea Ice

This research focuses on comparing the passive microwave brightness temperature signatures of open water and melted sea ice floe surface types over a series of frequencies, polarizations and incidence angles. A surface-based radiometer was used to collect microwave emissions for 19-, 37-and 89-GHz frequencies at both horizontal and vertical polarizations for melt pond laden ice floes and open ocean, along with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys of each scanned floe. Brightness temperatures were compared for each surface type, noting the locations of ice floe melt ponds within the footprint. Analysis showed that 37 GHz H experienced the greatest sensitivity and 89 GHz V experienced the least sensitivity to melt pond presence on ice floe surfaces.