Temporal and spatial variability in Ku- and Ka-band radar interactions with snow-covered sea ice from MOSAiC: KuKa data and implications for interpretation of satellite radar altimetry data

Retrieval of sea ice thickness and snow depth using satellite radar altimetry relies upon assumptions regarding the location of the main scattering surface within the snow and sea ice. In this presentation, using data from the KuKa ground-based fully-polarimetric Ku- and Ka-band instrument deployed during the MOSAiC expedition, we examine the temporal and spatial variability of the Ku- and Ka-band radar waveforms. MOSAiC provided a unique opportunity to survey the snow-covered sea ice over long timescales and across the floe. We use coincident data including snow physical properties to investigate how the snow pack variability affects the radar interactions in the Ku- and Ka-bands used by satellite radar altimeters. We discuss how the changes in the Arctic, such as warming amplification, the shift from a predominantly multi-year to first-year ice pack, and meteorological conditions affect the sea ice and its snow cover and hence Ku- and Ka-band radar signatures, highlighting the implications this extensive ground-based instrument provides for satellite retrievals in current and future conditions.