A Microwave Emissivity Sea Ice Retrieval Algorithm

In this work, we will present results from a sea ice concentration and age retrieval algorithm using microwave radiances. The algorithm has four notable features: (1) the use of a 11 GHz channel, (2) satellite brightness temperatures that have been calibrated in an absolute sense, (3) algorithm parameterization in terms of surface emissivity rather than brightness temperature, and (4) detection of sea ice <30 cm thick. The resulting sea ice concentrations and sea ice types are compared with those retrieved by the National Snow and Ice Data Center and Canadian Ice Service. One novel feature of this approach is that it provides estimates of sea ice emissivities that are correct in an absolute sense. We believe that this is the first time that absolute measurements of sea ice emissivity have been derived from satellite observations.