The winter 2013/2014 season is year 3 of SERF. Data collection will focus on regularly scheduled measurements linking the geophysical and electromagnetic (EM) properties of sea ice as it progresses through distinct growth and ablation phases. Measurements of sea ice biogeochemical properties will also be acquired. Three experiments are planned:

• Exp. 3.1 (ice ridge) - Dec. 03 – 31, 2013: Growth of thick ice and simulated ice ridge radar remote sensing sub-project
• Exp. 3.2 (geophysics and biogeochemistry) - Jan. 10 - 31: Time series geophysical and biogeochemical data collection.
• Exp. 3.3: (geophysics) – Feb. 01 to end: Replicate of Exp. 3.2 geophysical data collection under different seasonal forcing conditions.

Geophysical and EM data will be used for understanding the key processes which affect the visible, near-infrared, and microwave signals recorded by satellite remote sensing systems. Information will be used to improve the accuracy of satellite based measurements of sea ice properties, and contribute new retrieval methods for parameters such as snow water equivalent (SWE). Biogeochemical information will address ongoing SERF goals of understanding the role of sea ice in polar marine biogeochemical cycling.  

For more information contact:

Dr. David Barber - Principal investigator

Dr. Feiyue Wang - Principal investigator

Randall Scharien - Project lead