SAR data assimilation using characteristic values

Satellite borne SAR is a primary data source for ice information services. For this application, effective use of SAR requires expert analysts that understand its behaviour in a wide variety of environmental conditions. Automated ice classification from SAR imagery is an active area of research that attempts to support or even replace some aspects of the ice analyst´s work. An alternative approach to automated analysis of SAR imagery is through data assimilation. The goal of this study is to assimilate SAR data into Environment Canada´s Regional Ice Prediction System (RIPS). The first step is to determine SAR backscatter characteristic values (CVs) corresponding to ice and water for varying conditions, including geographic influence, environmental conditions, and instrument effects. Some early results are shown.