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5.8 Sea Ice Glossary
Ice Concentration Estimation
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Based on the ability to
distinguish ice from open water. The
proportion of the ocean surface covered
in sea ice may be estimated. |
Ice Decay Estimation
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Distinct physical
properties (salinity, microstructure,
moisture content and surface
roughness) of different ice types
produces contrasting backscatter which
allows floes to be differentiated at a
single date. Multidate data
comparison allows the identification of
location and estimation of rate of ice decay. |
Ice Edge Determination
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The ice edge is normally
distinguishable from open water by a
higher backscatter response. In
rough seas or at steep incidence angles
this contrast is reduced and the
presence of ice may be detected as
dark features which dampen the bright
ocean response. |
Ice Motion Estimation
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Distinct physical
properties (salinity, microstructure,
moisture content and surface
roughness) of different ice types
produces contrasting backscatter which
allows floes to be differentiated at a
single date. Multi-temporal
acquisition allows the magnitude and
direction of displacement of floes to be estimated. |
Ice Pressure Determination
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Ice pressure results in
ice topographic features which increase
the roughness of the ice surface
which in turn, increases radar backscatter. |
Ice Type Determination
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Different ice types
(newly formed ice versus first and
multi-year ice) have very
different physical properties (salinity,
microstructure, moisture content and
surface roughness). Radar is sensitive
to differences in these
parameters which produces differential
backscatter. In addition, the shape,
size and location of the ice floes
give important clues to its physical
structure and thickness. These features
may be visually interpreted from radar imagery. |
| Surface Topography Determination |
Ice topographic features
(ridges, rubble fields, etc.) increase
the surface roughness of the ice
thus producing an associated increase in
radar backscatter which contrasts from
smoother surrounding features. |
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Keywords: ESA European
Space Agency - Agence spatiale europeenne,
observation de la terre, earth observation,
satellite remote sensing,
teledetection, geophysique, altimetrie, radar,
chimique atmospherique, geophysics, altimetry, radar,
atmospheric chemistry
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