Enhanced satellite radar based iceberg detection and sea ice monitoring

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New features in recent and upcoming satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) missions promise to lead to improved capabilities for iceberg and sea ice monitoring both on the Grand Banks and in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. This proposal describes a multi-year research program to enhance the use of satellite SAR for sea ice, ship and iceberg monitoring and develop operational processes for remote monitoring. The focus of the proposed project is on the use of a relatively unexplored dual-polarized SAR configuration, called compact polarimetry (CP). The major outcome of this work will be development of enhanced ship, iceberg and sea ice monitoring capabilities. To this end the following objectives will be addressed: (1) construct SAR backscatter models of marine targets (i.e. ships and icebergs); (2) construct SAR backscatter models of ocean and sea ice; (3) develop algorithms to identify targets in open and ice-prone water, to distinguish icebergs from other marine targets and define sea ice features of tactical interest; (4) develop data fusion software to provide better information for sea ice charting; and (5) combine three strata of organizations involved with the use of SAR data, Academic Research (UoC), Applied Research and Development (C-CORE), and Commercial Use (oil and gas companies and PRNL). Overall, it is expected that using satellite CP SAR for monitoring sea ice, ships and icebergs will improve the effectiveness of iceberg and sea ice surveillance and the overall ice management system on the Grand Banks. The outcomes of this project will also have significant utility in frontier areas.