Microwave Emission From Snow and Glacier Ice

• DOI: 10.3189/s0022143000031415
• Publication Date: 2017-09-20T06:20:21Z
• Authors: T.C. Chang; P. Gloersen; T. Schmugge; T.T. Wilheit; H.J. Zwally
• Keywords: Firn; Accumulation zone

Abstract The microwave emission from a model snow field, consisting of randomly spaced ice spheres which scatter independently, is calculated. Mie scattering and radiative transfer theory are applied in manner similar to that used calculating optical properties clouds. extinction coefficient computed as function both wavelength ice-particle radius. Volume by the individual particles field significantly decreases for particle radii greater than few hundredths wavelength. Since mean annual temperature accumulation rate dry polar firn mainly determine grain sizes upon depends, these two parameters account main features 1.55 cm observed Greenland Antarctica with Nimbus-5 scanning radiometer. For normally encountered, most calculated radiation emanates layer on order 10 m thickness at 2.8 cm, less shorter wavelengths. A marked increase wet versus predicted, result consistent observations. results indicate characteristic radiating layers, dry-firn rales, areas summer melting, physical temperatures, can be determined multispectral