Enhanced satellite radar based iceberg detection and sea ice monitoring

最近和即将到来的基于卫星的合成孔径雷达（SAR）任务的新功能有望提高对大滩以及北极和亚北极地区冰山和海冰的监测能力。该提案描述了一个多年的研究计划，以加强卫星SAR在海冰、船舶和冰山监测中的使用，并制定远程监测的操作流程。拟议项目的重点是使用一种相对未开发的双极化SAR配置，称为紧凑型极化（CP）。

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.