Integrated use of new microwave satellite data for improved sea ice observations (IMSI). Final report

The overall goal of IMSI is to explore and test methods for use of new satellite earth observation data in sea ice monitoring and improve the utilisation of these observations in a wider user community. To reach these objectives IMSI consists of four major tasks:

1. Study of user requirements to define which new satellite products should be developed for use in ice monitoring.

2. Development of new ice products, derived from EO data covering three spatial scales: global scale, regional scale and local scale. The data used are synthetic aperture radar (SAR), passive microwave, scatterometer and side-looking radar (SLR) data. The products are developed for the Northern Sea Route, the Baltic Sea region, the Greenland waters, and for the whole Arctic and Antarctic region. Integrated products, which make use of several types of satellite data, are also developed.

3. User demonstration and product dissemination. The data products developed in Task 2 are disseminated to many users in several countries of Europe where sea ice is relevant. Specific demonstrations are carried out during field expeditions where in situ observations are obtained for validation of the satellite data products.

4. User assessment, evaluation and recommendation. The users who have received satellite data and data products have assessed the usefulness of the information which can be retrieved from satellite data. The benefits for the users have been studied and recommendations have been suggested for future use of satellite data in ice monitoring.