Mircowave remote sensing scattering parameters

This data set consists of ground truth measurements of snow and sea ice in Ross
Island, Antarctica. In the study of microwave remote sensing, field
measurements or in-situ data collections play an important role towards
verifying the accuracy of theoretical models. It is essential to understand the
electrical property and structure of the medium that is to be scanned by the
radar as these parameters greatly affect the microwave backscatter return
signals. Measurement of the sea ice provides vital information to aid in the
development and verification of the theoretical models. Furthermore, to better
understand how the overlying snow layer influences microwaves, the overlying
snow layer characteristics were also included in the measurements.

The fieldwork team performed ground measurements and took samples from areas
surrounding Ross Island, Antarctica, including the front of Scott Base, McMurdo
runway (United States), Willy's Field, Turtle Rock, Cape Evans and Cape Royds.
Several locations from the stated areas were selected and the coordinates were
acquired using the GPS system. 7 main parameters were identified and measured
in the fieldwork. The 7 parameters were: Sea ice and snow cover thickness; air,
sea ice, snow and ocean temperature; sea ice and snow density; sea ice brine
volume, crystal size and orientation; sea ice, snow and ocean salinity; sea ice
and snow surface roughness and finally the site coordinates. The field
measurement results would later be used in the theoretical modelling of the
snow and sea ice medium. A Radarsat image of Ross Island with HH polarization
on the 19th of October 2006 had been requested. In addition, an ERS satellite
image of Ross Island with VV polarization on the 18th of October 2006 had also
been requested. These images will be used together with the field measurement
results to verify the theoretical models researched.