The Influence of Surface Sediment Presence on Observed Passive Microwave Brightness Temperatures of First-Year Sea Ice during the Summer Melt Period
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Date
2019-06-17
Authors
Harasyn, Madison
Isleifson, Dustin
Barber, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
Knowledge on the influence of sea ice sediment on passive microwave brightness temperatures (TB) is currently limited, leading to potential inaccuracies in derived sea ice concentrations where this ice exists. We propose that sediment may influence TB in two ways: (i) by altering the surface dielectrics, or (ii) by generating differential melt rates across the ice surface, increasing surface roughness. This study will examine the second proposed hypothesis through a multi-platform analysis, combining in-situ passive microwave and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data. UAV image analysis shows a negative relationship between surface elevation and sediment concentration. Comparing this with observed TB shows that horizontally polarized emissions are the most sensitive to rougher ice surfaces
with 19 and 37 GHz TB decreasing rapidly with increased incidence angle. At a 55 incidence angle, 89 GHz offers the greatest potential for discriminating sea ice surfaces influenced by sediment presence, as TB are greater in both polarizations in comparison with non-sediment-laden ice. Results from this research provide evidence for a relationship between sea ice surface sediment and passive microwave signature, meriting future research in this field.
Description
Keywords
passive microwave brightness temperatures, sea ice, sea ice surface sediment, UAV
Citation
Harasyn, M. L., Isleifson, D., Barber, D. G., 2019. The Influence of Surface Sediment Presence on Observed Passive Microwave Brightness Temperatures of First-Year Sea Ice during the Summer Melt Period, Can. J. Remote.Sens. 45:3-4, 333-349. http://doi.org/10.1080/07038992.2019.1625759.