Technology Advancement for Microwave Remote Sensing of Sea Ice

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The main objective of my proposed research program is to advance the state-of-the-art in remote sensing technologies for the engineering and scientific communities to understand the geophysical and thermodynamic characteristics of sea ice. Research will be undertaken in three areas: 1) Sea Ice Remote Sensing Experiments for Detection of Oil in Sea Ice, 2) Electromagnetic Modeling of Sea Ice Scattering, and 3) Development of New Measurement Platforms for Arctic Remote Sensing.***Satellite remote sensing has historically been used to monitor the Arctic; however, lingering uncertainties remain in our knowledge of how rapid changes in sea ice geophysics and thermodynamics affect the satellite-scale scattering. As transportation through the Arctic increases in response to reduced ice conditions, compounded by plans for expansion in offshore oil exploration, drilling, and production, we have an increased risk of an oil spill in this fragile environment. Canada has a responsibility to ensure that we are in a position to detect and mitigate the risk from such an environmental disaster. Research in remote sensing is required to develop the fundamental understanding of radar wave interactions and to advance detection tools and methods.***In order to interpret radar data, I rely on electromagnetic models to describe how microwaves interact with the complex sea ice medium. New modeling methods will help me to understand the mechanisms of the wave interactions and can be used to develop techniques for detecting oil that is trapped underneath sea ice. From the results of my modeling studies, I will design, build, and test remote sensing payloads to be integrated onto unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with antennas that are tuned for detection of specific parameters, such as oil in sea ice.***The expected major research outputs of this program will be an enhanced understanding of how radar can be used to determine sea ice geophysical and thermodynamic state, development and validation of innovative electromagnetic modeling techniques, and improved methods for detection of oil in sea ice. Antennas will be simulated, built, tested, and integrated into novel measurement platforms for remote sensing applications.***Discoveries in the areas of Arctic remote sensing will help maintain Canada's status as a leader of research in technological, scientific, and economic issues related to sustainable development in the north. This research program builds on a collaborative research effort between the Faculty of Engineering and the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS) at the University of Manitoba, supported by partnerships with industry. Hardware research will be conducted in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, while remote sensing research will be performed at the Sea-ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF) and at the new CFI-funded Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO).