Polarimetric Signatures From the Base of Icebergs in BIOMASS P-Band SAR Images
Abstract
The polarimetric signatures of tabular icebergs floating off the coast of Antarctica were among the most distinctive ones observed by ESA’s BIOMASS mission during its in-orbit commissioning phase. In addition to the polarimetric response of the iceberg itself, a time-delayed replica appears as the result of scattering interactions at the icebergs' base. Polarimetric analyses and a simple geometric model are used to investigate the scattering mechanisms at the top and base of icebergs as well as their relative range displacement. The relationship between range displacements and thickness indicates a potential penetration depth of the P-band signal in firn and ice of up to 250–300 m.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications and Techniques
Soil Moisture and Remote Sensing
Ocean Waves and Remote Sensing
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters
- Publisher
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Volume
- 23
- Pages
- 2000505–2000505
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN