Satellite observations allow to monitor sea ice properties globally and on a daily basis. Many different satellite sensors and techniques exist, some are available since more than 40 years, some are currently still under development. The most important measurement techniques and methods to derive sea ice properties like sea ice area, thickness, and motion are introduced. Measurements at microwave frequencies from radiometers, scatterometers, and synthetic aperture radars (SAR) have the advantage to be independent of clouds and the polar night. Observations in the visual spectrum can have higher spatial resolution and be used during months with daylight to derive additional quantities like the coverage with melt ponds. Satellite altimeters measure the sea ice freeboard, which can be converted to ice thickness. These observations then can be used to gain a better understanding of the polar climate system and long-term changes in the sea ice cover can be monitored.
Satellite observations allow to monitor sea ice properties globally and on a daily basis. Many different satellite sensors and techniques exist; some are available since more than 40 years, some are currently still under development. The most important measurement techniques and methods to derive sea ice properties like sea ice area, thickness, and motion are introduced. Measurements at microwave frequencies from radiometers, scatterometers, and synthetic aperture radars (SAR) have the advantage to be independent of clouds and the polar night. Observations in the visual spectrum can have higher spatial resolution and be used during months with daylight to derive additional quantities like the coverage with melt ponds. Satellite altimeters measure the sea ice freeboard, which can be converted to ice thickness. These observations then can be used to gain a better understanding of the polar climate system and long-term changes in the sea ice cover can be monitored.