Evaluating Ice Production of Ross Ice Shelf and Terra Nova Bay Polynyas during 2019 using Sentinel-1 SAR Image and ICESat-2 data

Abstract:

Wind-driven polynya events in Antarctic waters are an important component to sea ice production due to subsequent brine rejection and sinking of denser, high-salinity water which influences the global thermohaline circulation and is an important habitat for wildlife and phytoplankton. Our study area focuses on the Ross Ice Shelf and Terra Nova Bay where polynya events were found to occur between March and November of each year. Using Sentinel-1 SAR and ICESat-2 data, we are able to calculate the area and ice thickness of each wind-driven ice production event.. The volume of ice production in 2019 is the sum of all ice production events in the area. The 2019 ice production will be compared with those from previous years. This study aims to further our understanding of ice volumes produced in this area and how best to measure it using remote sensing methods.