Geophysical controls on C band polarimetric backscatter from melt pond covered Arctic first‐year sea ice: Assessment using high‐resolution scatterometry

摘要: [1] Geophysical controls on C band polarimetric backscatter from the discrete surface cover types which comprise advanced melt first-year sea ice (FYI): snow covered ice, bare and pond; are assessed using radar scatterometry test sites representing high Arctic marginal zones in Canadian Arctic. Surface characterization data is used to evaluate interaction of polarized radiation with each feature, dominant scattering mechanisms a regional context. High-resolution time series (diurnal) coincident atmospheric boundary layer profile explain linkages between ice-atmosphere interactions zone. The co-polarization ratio for FYI ponds shown be distinct or during early peak phases melt, making it candidate parameter unambiguous detection pond formation inversion fraction. displays an increasing trend incidence angle manner consistent Bragg theory, though not predictable by model. Cross-polarization intensity shows potential discriminating onset duration freeze events zone, due adjacent ponds. Preliminary results here outline covariance matrix derived measurements geophysical parameters, provide basis investigation distributed targets late season spaceborne SAR scenes.