Seasat, ERS-1/2 and NSCAT scatterometer observed changes on the large ice sheets

Satellite-borne wind scatterometers are effective tools for monitoring ice sheets and microwave imaging techniques enable comparison of historic and contemporary scatterometer data in climate change studies. The authors document scattering characteristics of the Greenland ice sheet using data from the NSCAT, ERS-1/2 and Seasat SASS instruments. C- and Ku-band data enable characterization of frequency-dependent scattering characteristics and regional melting delineation. SASS-NSCAT differences show 18 year changes in dry-snow zone extent and indicate the decadal response to changes in the spatial patterns of accumulation and ablation.