Sea ice thickness observation system

Objective

The aim of SITHOS is to develop new observation techniques for sea ice thickness and related parameters which are important for climate monitoring as well as offshore operations in polar regions. SITHOS will investigate both space techniques using radar altimeter data and non-space techniques using fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drifting ice stations. The techniques include:
1) electromagnetic induction combined with laser;
2) ice thickness via wave spectra from automatic ice stations;
3) AVV and submarines equipped with upward looking sonar; and
4) airborne laser combined with GPS to measure ice freeboard and topography. All techniques will be tested and validated during several winter and summer experiments. The non-space data will be important validation data for CRYOSAT, an ESA satellite scheduled for launch in 2004 with global ice thickness measurement as a main objective.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-2. - Key action Global Change, Climate and Biodiversity

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

NANSEN ENVIRONMENTAL AND REMOTE SENSING CENTER

Address

3A,edvard Griegsvej 3A
5059 Bergen
Norway

Participants (5)

ALFRED WEGENER INSTITUTE FOR POLAR AND MARINE RESEARCH

Germany

Address

Columbusstrasse
27568 Bremerhaven

CHRISTIAN MICHELSEN RESEARCH AS

Norway

Address

38,Fantoftveien 38
5892 Bergen

NATIONAL SURVEY AND CADASTRE

Denmark

Address

Rentemestervej 8
2400 Koepenhagen

THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR MARINE SCIENCE

United Kingdom

Address

Dunbeg
PA37 1QA Oban

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

United Kingdom

Address

Gordon Street 17
WC1H 0AH London