On the links between microwave and solar wavelength interactions with snow-covered first-year sea ice

Abstract

The models at 5.3 GHz, HH polarization, at 20°, 30°, and 40° incidence angles were equally precise in predications of α. The models of 9.25 GHz were slightly less precise, particularly at the 40° incidence angle. The reduction in precision at the 40° incidence angle was attributed to the increased sensitivity at both 5.3 and 9.25 GHz to the snow surface scattering term (σ°ss) used in computation of the total relative scattering cross section (σ°). Prediction of subsnow PAR was also possible using the same combination of microwave sensor variables utilized in prediction of α, but because subice algal communities have evolved to be low light sensitive, the majority of the growth cycle occurs prior to significant changes in σ°. Observational data from the European ERS-1 SAR were used to confirm the appropriateness of the modeled relationships between σ°, α, and PAR. Over a time series spanning all conditions used in the modeled relationships, the same general patterns were observed between σ°, α, and PAR. -from Authors