Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Multi-frequency, Multi-polarization Measurements of Arctic Sea Ice Microwave Backscatter Characteristics  (Measuring Arctic Sea Ice Microwave Backscatter)

Outline
A Multi-frequency (L-, C-, X-, and Ku-Band), multi-polarization (HH, VV, and HV or VH) Scatterometer will be used to measure microwave sea-ice backscatter in the Arctic and its European Margins (Greenland Sea, Barents Sea). The aim is to use this unique instrument capable to measure the backscatter simultaneously in the mentioned frequency bands to improve current knowledge about microwave backscatter of Arctic sea ice and its snow cover, particular in Ku-Band, in comparison to the other frequency bands and thereby suggesting frequency/polarization combinations to be used to optimize current ice-type classification schemes. Foci will be on a) the incidence angle dependency, particularly in X- and Ku-Band and over snow, b) the backscatter of frost flowers in comparison to ridged ice to improve their identification and discrimination in Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery, and c) the seasonal change in sea ice backscatter. The measurements will contribute to the evaluation of data acquired by new satellite sensors such as EPS-ASCAT and TERRASAR-X. The measurements will also assist in mitigating ambiguities in the interpretation of data acquired by current satellite sensors over sea ice. The Scatterometer will be mounted inside a helicopter which will operated from aboard the German Research Icebreaker Polarstern during at least two cruises into the Arctic during the IPY - as has been done in 2003. The proposed measurements will be analysed together with simultaneous ground-based (ice-core drilling, snow pit measurements, electromagnetic ice-thickness sensing) and other air-borne (laser altimeter, electromagnetic ice-thickness sensing) measurements carried out by the Sea-Ice Physics group of the Alfred-Wegener Institute (AWI), Bremerhaven, Germany. The flight pattern will depend on the surface type of interest, the region wherein ground-based measurements are feasible, and the area covered by measurements of the satellite sensor which data are aimed to be evaluated with our scatterometer data. These data will be calibrated using corner reflectors, and evaluated with data from already existing satellite sensors such as Envisat ASAR, and with mentioned ground-based and other air-borne measurements.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Improvement of ice type classification and knowledge about current composition of Arctic sea ice - Suggestions for synergy of SAR and/or Scatterometer data of different frequencies/polarizations to improve future activities involving data from such sensors - Improve identification of frost flowers with future satellte sensors - Provide evaluation data for new/future satellite missions

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Collaboration with other sea-ice physics groups is desired in order to cross-check own measurements - Collaboration with ESA/EUMETSAT is desired regarding exchange and interpretation of CryoSAT and EPS-ASCAT data q2_1_Location : Greenland Sea, Barents Sea, Arctic Ocean between 30W and 180E (see Dickson, B., 2004, DRAFT AOSB Observing Plan for the IPY).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Greenland Sea, Barents Sea, Arctic Ocean between 30W and 180E (see Dickson, B., 2004, DRAFT AOSB Observing Plan for the IPY).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/2007 - 04/2007 OR 2008      06/2007 - 09/2007 OR 2008      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice breaker, Helicopter , Satellites, Ice drilling capabilites (field work)

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Another national polar operator
National agency
Commercial operator

Another national polar operator: Alfred-Wegener Institute (AWI) for Polar and Marine Research National Agency; German Science Foundation Commercial operator: Company in contract with AWI carrying out the helicopter flights.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not yet

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Exp

The mentioned scatterometer has been used in collaboration with the AWI in March 2003; it is intended to maintaim and deepen this collaboration during the coming years on the subject of physical sea-ice research involving multiple air-borne sensors to improve knowledge about the ice volume.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The scatterometer is maintained and checked by and at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Hamburg. Test flights - if necessary - will be carried out in collaboration with the same company being in contract with AWI concerning the helicopter flights from aboard Polarstern. Staff during the planned cruises will be from the Institute of Oceanography as with regard to the scatterometer measurements.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
At present no specific ideas exist addressing this issue.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Once the measured data have been analyzed and sufficiently calibrated they will be made available to the scientific community.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
A proposal for national funding is in progress.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Detlef Stammer
Center for Marine and Atmospheric Research
Institute of Oceanography
Bundesstrasse 53, Hamburg
20146
Germany

Tel: ++4940428385052
Mobile: no
Fax: ++4940428387471
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation