Observing Polar-Ice Variability

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Abstract
The repetitive synoptic ice data obtainable by satellite sensing provide a means of studying the time-dependent behavior of both sea ice and ice sheets on climatic time scales. Examples of sea-ice parameters which may be measured are extent, concentration, and multiyear fraction; and examples of ice-sheet/ice-shelf parameters are surface elevation, ice-front position, extent and duration of summer melting, and ice accumulation rates. Desired snow-cover parameters include extent and snow depth or water-equivalent depth. The unique ability of satellites to measure such ice parameters and the characteristics of the consequent data sets significantly influence the structure of ice models that can be successfully used with the data. Ice data sets recently acquired by satellite sensing are described. The past decade of sea-ice data provides a detailed description of the interannual variability of sea ice on a regional and seasonal basis. Because of the longer time scales involved in ice-sheet variations, a comparable record of ongoing ice-sheet variations has not yet been established, but important baseline data sets are being developed.