EFFECT OF RADAR PARAMETERS ON SEA-ICE TONAL AND TEXTURAL SIGNATURES USING MULTIFREQUENCY POLARIMETRIC SAR DATA

The effect of three radar parameters-frequency, polarization, and inci dence angle-on the tonal and textural ice signatures is examined using a multi-frequency (C-, L-, and P-band), fully polarimetric SAR data s et. Three winter ice types-multi-year, first-year rough, and first-yea r smooth-from the Beaufort Sea region are examined. Statistical analys is is conducted to determine the relative contribution of each paramet er to ice signature and to ice classification accuracy using single an d multi-parameter approaches. Results show that radar frequency is the key factor in determining the tonal and textural signature. Best ice classification is obtained using multi-frequency rather than multi-pol arization data. Texture is influenced by radar parameters. It is captu red by the P-band data where tone carries virtually no information. Re sults also provide an insight into radar scattering mechanisms.