Tracking large tabular icebergs using the SeaWinds Ku-band microwave scatterometer

摘要: Abstract Knowledge of iceberg locations is important for safety reasons as well understanding many geophysical and biological processes. Originally designed to measure wind speed direction over the ocean, SeaWinds a microwave scatterometer that operates at 13.4 GHz (Ku-band) on QuikSCAT satellite. Radar measurements from are collected processed daily basis using resolution-enhancement techniques produce radar images. Because icebergs scatter energy more than sea ice water, detected high-backscatter targets surrounded by lower-backscatter regions in As result, positions determined real-time time-series maintained an Antarctic database Brigham Young University's Microwave Earth Remote Sensing (MERS) laboratory. Since independent both solar illumination cloud cover has large spatial coverage, this paper demonstrates excellent platform detect track tabular icebergs. These generally larger 5 km typically characterized rough plateau above surrounding water or ice. The number tracked MERS found be greater National Ice Center. movement patterns all also analyzed 90% travel counter-clockwise path around Antarctica accumulate Weddell Scotia Seas. Iceberg detection tracking demonstrated via multiple case studies highlight C-19a A-22a through operational support 2005, 2008, 2009 NSF cruises. validated collocated high-resolution satellite imagery navigating ships physically intercept several