Ground-based radar interferometry for monitoring of landfast sea ice dynamics

In this work, we evaluate landfast sea ice dynamics using ground-based radar interferometry. During two field campaigns in Utqiagvik, Alaska, we collected three similar to 24-h series of measurements on 16 May 2012 and 21-23 April 2021 using the Gamma portable radar interferometer (GPRI). These data enable examination of progressive strain of landfast ice on the sub-cm scale. The results indicate near spatially uniform divergence strains exceeding 10(-6) in response to an increase in offshore winds from 0 to 7 m s(-1). Exceptions to uniform divergence are grounded ridges with either negligible or reduced motion. We also track uniform vertical shifts in response to cm -scale sea level change correlated with NOAA model tidal predictions. We evaluate and take steps to remove contributions from moisture variability, thereby reducing potential errors from atmospheric effects to less than 5 mm. The results suggest that the GPRI can be a valuable tool for monitoring ice-covered coastal zones. The system has possible applications for monitoring tides and ocean surges and tracking small-scale deformation of otherwise stationary ice that can lead to fracture and destabilization.

Automated summary

In this study, landfast sea ice dynamics were evaluated using ground-based radar interferometry. Measurements were collected using the Gamma portable radar interferometer (GPRI) during two field campaigns in Utqiagvik, Alaska in May 2012 and April 2021. The results showed near spatially uniform divergence strains and uniform vertical shifts in response to various environmental factors. The study suggests that GPRI can be a valuable tool for monitoring ice-covered coastal zones and small-scale deformation of ice.