Satellite observations of polar ice fields

Abstract

Abstract This paper outlines the research needed to advance the knowledge of polar ice masses that could be or has been provided by satellite techniques. Inland ice sheets, ice shelves and pack ice on polar oceans are discussed in separate sections. Because a satellite radar altimeter can cover wide areas of polar ice economically and rapidly, the interpretation of altimeter results is discussed in detail. Theoretical considerations are used to explain various characteristics of pulse shapes recorded over Antarctica by Seasat. Over inland ice, surface undulations cause the pulse shape to change rapidly with location, and the leading edge to migrate rapidly. Altimetry over ice shelves should be accurate to better than ± 1 m and provide new methods for studying their mass balance. Nearly all sea ice returns that have been studied show a characteristic glistening quite distinct from returns from the open ocean, inland ice or ice shelves. Reasons for glistening are presented and the need for ground truth stressed because pulse shapes should provide an additional source of data to define pack ice characteristics from satellite observations.