Analysis of C-band backscatter measurements of thin Arctic sea ice

Presents backscattering model predictions based on in situ data in comparison to helicopter borne C-band scatterometer measurements performed during the ARCTIC-91 expedition. The test sites were over thin ice areas covered with wet saline snow and slush. The scatterometer measurements were made at incidence angles between 12 and 60 degrees for all linear polarization combinations. Application of the backscattering models showed that surface scattering dominates in all studied cases. A comparison between scatterometer and ERS-1 SAR measurements over a rough and saline snow area indicate that the backscatter may change by 3 dB in 5 hours, probably due to changes in surface temperature by wind cooling.