Use of time series SAR data to resolve ice type ambiguities in newly-opened leads

The backscatter signature of sea ice in newly-opened leads frequently overlaps with that of older and thicker ice types. This phenomenon limits the accuracy of backscatter based ice type classification in single date SAR images. The authors use ice motion data derived from successive SAR observations to identify areas of recent openings in the winter sea ice cover. With the assumption that the backscatter of a new lead adds to a nominally invariant backscatter histogram, one can calculate the area of new ice which has been created and record the temporal evolution of backscatter of the new ice. This temporal signature is related to atmospheric conditions during the rapid growth phase of the new ice. They illustrate the use of time series information with ERS-1 SAR data from the Alaska SAR Facility.