Validation of NSCAT Remotely Sensed Sea Ice Conditions as a Predictor of Environmental Conditions

本研究建议开发一个生物物理指数的状态东白令海在冬季和春季，其中包括季节性冰和候鸟的行为特征。 将用1996年10月至1997年5月所有现有的卫星、船舶和地面站数据核实NSCAT（美国航天局卫星散射仪）数据。 将在一个地理信息系统中对同一天的NSCAT图像和高级甚高分辨率辐射计图像进行数字分析。 NSCAT的数据或者将核实高级甚高分辨率辐射计图像的有用性，并增加关于冰的生长、融化和退缩的细节，或者将为评估海冰状况提供一个不同的研究数据来源。 春季海冰边缘动态的详细地图将有助于进行旨在了解目前由其他机构资助的大陆架渔业补充过程的研究。 在秋季和春季迁徙期间评估的水鸟分布情况将纳入地理信息系统模型。 由于这些机会具有时间敏感性，而且方法具有创新性和探索性，因此PI选择根据探索性研究小额赠款（SGER）计划的指导方针提交有限范围的提案。

This study proposes to develop a biophysical index of the status of the eastern Bering Sea in winter and spring which incorporates characteristics of the seasonal ice and migratory bird behavior. NSCAT (NASA scatterometer from satellite) data will be verified with all available satellite, ship, and land station data for October 1996 to May 1997. Digital analysis of same-day NSCAT images with AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) images will be made in a GIS system. The NSCAT data will either verifgy the usefulness of the AVHRR imagery and add to the detail of ice growth, melt and retreat, or provide a different source of research data to evaluate the conditions of sea ice. Detailed maps of the sea ice edge dynamics in spring will assist in studies aimed at understanding fisheries recruitment processes on the shelf currently being funded by other agencies. Waterbird distributions evaluated during a period encompassing fall and spring migration will be incorporated into the GIS models. Because these opportunities are time sensitive and because the approach is innovative and exploratory, the PIs have chosen to submit a proposal of limited scope under the guidelines of the Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) program.