A multi-polarization analysis of Terra Nova Bay polynya

Inhalt:
This study focuses on the analysis of Terra Nova Bay polynya, Antarctica, using multi-polarization C-band Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements. The study aims at analyzing the added-value of polarimetric measurements in observing the polynya and its inhomogeneities with respect to the single-polarization backscattering measurements. The analysis contrasts single-polarization co- and cross-polarized SAR measurements with dual-polarimetric coherent ones using the following metrics: single-polarization normalized radar cross sections and dual-polarimetric eigen-decomposition parameters. Experimental results show the extra benefits carried on by partial polarimetric SAR measurements that allow a more roboust and effective separation between ice-free water and ice streaks.