Study of the freeze-up phase change in large temperate-zone inland water tracts and possibilities for microwave diagnostics

The three phases of the freeze-up on large lakes in the temperate climatic zone are presented and described. For each of these phases a summary of the radar signatures of the ice is given; these signatures are the starting po int for the development of methods for the interpretation of satellite micr owave information. Previously unknown hydrodynamic and hydro-ecological pro cesses and phenomena accompanying the formation of ice, which were identifi ed using microwave survey material, are listed. Technical questions relatin g to satellite microwave diagnosis of the ice regime and applied satellite climatology are examined.