Utility of OCEANSAT-1 OCM data in deciphering Antarctic features

The Antarctic ice (sea ice, icebergs, continental ice sheet) plays a significant role in determining the global climate. Remote sensing techniques are an obvious means to monitor and study the inaccessible region of the icy continent. Passive microwave remote sensing has been extensively used to monitor the extent, seasonal variation and secular trends of sea ice, information about icebergs, continental ice and geomorphic features of the Antarctic region1-3. However, due to low resolution, retrieving information about the small-scale features of the area is not possible. Therefore, optical remote sensing could emerge as a useful tool for detailed study at micro level, mainly due to its high resolution. In the Antarctic region long polar nights, extreme weather conditions and presence of clouds restrict the utility of optical remote sensing. Accordingly, in Antarctica optical remote sensing techniques can only be applied during austral summer when days are bright and sunny, and the sky is cloud-free.