Sea ice is formed when the seawater freezes. Sea ice covers like 10% of the world’s sea waters, and therefore there’s a need to study and analyze them. To study seawater and sea ice, various tools can be used. The remote sensing technique has proved to be the best method of studying sea ice. This is because the technique employs space tools.
This article shall discuss some of the common applications of remote sensing techniques to sea ice.
1. Monitoring the thickness of the sea ice
The sea ice appears in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. The thickness of the sea ice is vital information to the sea users. Since most of the remote sensors are space-based, they can take images from the sky, which can be used to calculate the diameter of the sea ice. This spatial data is used to warn sea users about the size of the sea ice.
2. Locating sea ice
Most of the sea ice is located in the middle of the sea, and therefore it isn’t easy to locate those using bare eyes. Special tools are used to locate and map these sea ice. Remote sensors have played a vital role in locating sea ice. They are space-borne tools to monitor the sea and locate where sea ice is found.
3. Detecting the effect of sea ice
Sea ice may positively or negatively affect the surrounding area and sea animals. Ichthyology greatly relies on remote sensors to analyze and study the effect of seawater on sea animals. However, it isn’t easy to analyze using traditional tools. Thankfully, the remote sensing technique has made it easy.
4. Decision making
The fish captain uses remote sensors to make their decisions. Sea ice affects water transport, and if they are not known, it can result in water accidents. The spatial data collected from the satellite shows where the sea ice is located. This information can be used to decide which route the ships will take.
5. Sea ice monitoring
Once the sea ice is located, they need to be monitored from time to time. Remote sensing techniques make sure this is possible. The satellite takes images of the condition and size of the sea ice, and these images are then sent to the port for further analysis. Also, changes around the sea ice are monitored.
6. Ice edge detection
Ice tips and edges are the main cause of accidents in the sea. Through remote sensing techniques, these accidents can be avoided. Space-based remote sensors take images of sea ice. These spatial data can show the diameter and the edges of the sea ice. Once the edges are located, ship captains are aware and can easily sail ships away from them.
7. Ice classification
In analyzing and classifying ice, remote sensing technology plays a vital role. It allows for live data transmission from the sea to the ice studying headquarters. The collected data can then be used to classify ice. Also, to update sea ice inventories, remote sensors are greatly used.
