Yackel, JohnMahmud, Mallik Sezan2016-01-082016-01-082016-01-082016Mahmud, M. S. (2016). Sea Ice Melt Onset Dynamics in the Northern Canadian Arctic Archipelago from RADARSAT, 1997-2014 (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27719http://hdl.handle.net/11023/2736An algorithm was developed to detect melt onset over Arctic sea ice using high-resolution SAR images from RADARSAT. The algorithm is based on the temporal evolution of the SAR backscatter coefficient (σ⁰), using an ice type specific threshold approach that also corrects for backscatter incidence angle variation. Using 4457 RADARSAT images, the algorithm was applied over sea ice in the northern CAA, thus generating a new time series of melt onset from 1997-2014. The mean annual melt onset date was on YD 164±4 (mid–June). No significant trend was found over the 18-year period, however, variability increased in post-2007 years. An earlier (later) melt onset was associated with increased (decreased) solar energy absorption and subsequently associated in lighter (heavier) September sea ice coverage in the northern CAA. RADARSAT estimates of melt onset were found to be in good agreement but more robust compared to passive microwave and scatterometer estimates.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Physical GeographyPhysical OceanographyRemote SensingEnvironmental SciencesSea IceSynthetic Aperture RadarMelt onsetCanadian ArcticRADARSATmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/27719