Analysis of Interrelation between the Scattering Index of Sea Ice and Its Properties

M. V. Bukharov

Analyzed is the interrelation between the properties of the sea ice, its scattering index at the frequencies of 23 and 31 GHz, and the brightness temperature computed from the multispectral measurements with the AMSU radiometer. Within the frameworks of the simplified model representations, the quantitative estimates are obtained of the influence of the ice thickness, ice concentration, and presence of inhomogeneities in the emitting layer and snow cover on the ice surface on the ice scattering index values. It is demonstrated that the scattering on the dislocations formed near the surface of ice at its bend and compression can be the main reason for the rapid change in the scattering index of one-year and old ice observed in different seasons. The results of the analysis corroborated the validity of applying the scattering index for the revelation of the areas of deformation and hummocking of sea ice, as well as for the estimation of the age and thickness of thin and young ice.