The objectives of the proposed research are: (a) provide quantitative evaluation and assessments of the accuracy of geophysical sea ice parameters derived from AMSR-E data; (b) do in-depth studies of ambiguities in data interpretation through comparative analysis of P3-aircraft passive microwave (PSR), D2P, ATM, ship and satellite data acquired during the 2003-2004 validation period; (c) enhance the performance of current algorithms through the combined use of AMSR-E and MODIS data and using results from the validation studies and (d) develop techniques to combine AMSR-E data with historical passive microwave data for optimal consistency and assess associated errors. The last objective will include the generation of a comprehensive and documented Climate Data Record (CDR) of the sea ice cover from 1978 to the present including ancillary surface type maps that provide additional information during periods when interpretation of data is ambiguous. The proposed work is in part a continuation of current research activities of the PI who is one of the original peer-reviewed AMSR-E team member. The work will take advantage of validation data collected during three aircraft validation missions that were coordinated with near concurrent observations from various satellites and ships and also data from similar missions in the Arctic. Among the main focus of the project will be to find solutions to ambiguity issues associated with new ice and meltponding. High resolution aircraft passive microwave data (PSR) will be analyzed in conjunction with co-registered MODIS data to gain insights into the changes in the signature of sea ice at various stages of development and how they contribute to errors in the determination of ice concentration and ambiguities in the interpretation of the data. Ambiguities related to meltponding in summer will be resolved through comparative study of regions of relatively low concentrations, as derived from AMSR-E data, with concurrent and cloud free MODIS data with the latter providing information about the presence of meltponds. Results form the comparative analysis of AMSR-E and MODIS data will be documented and maps of surface and ice types will be created as necessary, especially in new ice and meltponded regions, for improved interpretation of ice concentration data. The proposed work will also include the development of techniques for making AMSR-E and SSM/I ice extents and areas consistent during the 4-year period of overlap and similarly for SSM/I and SMMR data during overlap period with the view of generating a comprehensive and high quality SMMR, SSM/I and AMSR-E data set for time series and climate change studies. The significance of the proposed project is that it will lead to improved utilization of AMSR-E data in polar process and mass balance studies and an enhanced understanding of the general characteristics of the sea ice cover and its role in the climate system.
