SEA ICE MONITORING BY SATELLITES IN THE SVALBARD AREA - Applications and tests of algorithms

The main objective of this study is to develop a system for ice monitoring using satellite data with focus on processes and phenomena of importance for climate, marine ecosystems and transport of pollutants.
The specific objectives have been to:
- Identify sea ice parameters which can be derived from available satellite data and be used in a monitoring system
- Use these parameters to identify relevant indicators for climate change, effects on the ecosystem and on transport of pollutants as part of the monitoring under the Ministry of Environment’s area 7 and 8
- Develop and adapt use of existing methods for automated mapping of identified parameters and indicators
- Develop and implement a GIS-based system for storage, integration, analysis and presentation of sea ice data, ARGOS/GPS data from polar bears and other relevant data
- Demonstrate practical use of the system over a limited period (spring 2001) in the Storfjorden area of Svalbard, followed by validation and evaluation.