Interpretation of Seasat radar altimeter returns from an overflight of ice in the Beaufort Sea

Abstract

Seasat radar altimeter data are examined for the effects of sea ice on the returns during an overflight of the Beaufort Sea. Waveform parameters and their statistics are combined to form a parameter sensitive to the presence of sea ice. Variations in the value of this ice parameter are compared with ice charts obtained from the Canadian Atmospheric Environment Service. Particular attention is paid to the sensitivity of the radar altimeter to the open-ocean sea ice boundary.<>