Extended Abstract (232K)P1.23
Potential of AMSR-E derived sea ice motions for assimilation into sea ice models
Walter N. Meier, NSIDC/CIRES/Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Sea ice motion has been one of the most common parameters used for assimilation into sea ice models. The assimilated ice motions have been shown to improve model estimates of motion and other related parameters, such as ice thickness. Observations from in situ buoys or Radarsat imagery, provide detailed high-resolution ice motion information. However, their utility for data assimilation is limited due their sparse spatial or temporal coverage. Imagery from passive microwave sensors has provided a long history (since 1979) of daily, basin-scale motion estimates, but at a coarse spatial resolution. The new Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) sensor on the Aqua platform has more than double the spatial resolution of its predecessor, the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager. This allows it to obtain much more accurate and more detailed ice motion estimates, but at the same daily intervals as SSM/I. With more detailed and frequent motion information, important smaller-scale processes, such as lead formation and ridging, can be better characterized. Sea ice models are becoming more sophisticated (e.g., improved rheologies, higher resolution) and new modeling approaches (e.g., Lagrangian particle models) are being developed. The improved sea ice observations from AMSR-E will be particularly beneficial for such models. Here, we demonstrate the potential of AMSR-E to yield detailed ice motion circulation as well as estimates of divergence and other parameters useful for assimilation into sea ice models.
Poster Session 1, International Polar Year - Poster Presentations (Observational Techniques, Programs, Products and Databases
Tuesday, 11 January 2005, 9:45 AM-10:45 AM
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