Sovremennye problemy distantsionnogo zondirovaniya Zemli iz kosmosa, 2025, V. 22, No. 6, pp. 231-240
First results of data processing from emulated satellite microwave radiometric experiment of the LED-SMP-1/2024 expedition
V.V. Tikhonov
1, 2, 3 , D.M. Ermakov
1, 4 , А.V. Kuzmin
1 , T.A. Alekseeva
2, 1 , S.S. Serovetnikov
2 , E.V. Afanasyeva
2, 1 , V.D. Kotelnikov
2 1 Space Research Institute RAS, Moscow, Russia
2 Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russia
3 Institute for Water and Environmental Problems SB RAS, Barnaul, Russia
4 Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics RAS, Fryazino Branch, Fryazino, Moscow Region, Russia
Accepted: 24.09.2025
DOI: 10.21046/2070-7401-2025-22-6-231-240
The paper presents initial results of processing the data of microwave emissions of ice cover, open sea surface and atmosphere obtained during the LED-SMP-1/2024 expedition in the Kara Sea. Measurements were conducted aboard the Yamal nuclear icebreaker in May 2024 using a microwave radiometric system operating at frequencies of 5.5, 19, 22.2, 36, and 92 GHz. These measurements were accompanied by observations of key ice cover characteristics (concentration, age, hummocking, ice thickness, snow depth, etc.) and meteorological parameters (air temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction, and the presence and type of precipitation). The experiment utilized two main observation modes: at 53 and 65° to the normal, which corresponds to the observation geometry of the main satellite radiometers. Measurements of microwave emission of the atmosphere were performed at the zenith and at angles mirroring the surface measurements (53 and 65° relative to the zenith). The results of experimental data processing showed that the emissivity of consolidated sea ice cover and open water, calculated from measured brightness temperatures, is completely consistent with the results obtained previously in the classic NORSEX (Norwegian Remote Sensing Experiment) of 1979 and MIZEX (Marginal Ice Zone Experiment) of 1983–1984 experiments. This demonstrates the reliability of the obtained experimental data and provides grounds for their use in the analysis and modeling of complex sea ice cover conditions.
Keywords: field and emulated satellite experiment, microwave radiometry, brightness temperature, emissivity, sea ice
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