| Principal Investigator: |
Scharien, Randall (1) |
| Licence Number: |
17677
|
| Organization: |
University of Victoria
|
| Licensed Year(s): |
2025
|
| Issued: |
Mar 11, 2025
|
| Project Team: |
Andrew Arreak , Trevor Bell, Michel Tsamados, Brody McKeown , Adria Blanco-Cabanillas, Kalum Delaney ,
|
Objective(s): To develop sea ice information retrieval algorithms for satellite data, for safe sea ice travel needs as identified by Inuit (ice roughness, slush, and ice thickness). Information retrieval methods developed for satellite data will be transferred to prototype image product formats representing usable information layers for map-makers in the project communities. Project partner SmartICE will also produce satellite and field data related training materials and protocols.
Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 6130.
This research project aims to develop sea ice information retrieval algorithms for satellite data, for safe sea ice travel needs as identified by Inuit (ice roughness, slush, and ice thickness). Information retrieval methods developed for satellite data will be transferred to prototype image product formats representing usable information layers for map-makers in the project communities. Project partner SmartICE will also produce satellite and field data related training materials and protocols to enable the extension of these objectives beyond the project scope, as desired by communities.
The methodology is based on the field-based collection of calibration data on sea ice adjacent to Tuktoyaktuk for a one week period in 2025, followed by the field based collection of validation data in the same area for a one week period in 2026. Ice m... Show moreonitoring surveys will be conducted along transects and within the coverage of coincident satellite SAR data collections. These surveys will use current SmartICE equipment (EM-31 ice thickness sensor, auger), so that the total thickness measurements can be combined with snow thickness measurements to provide snow and sea ice thickness. Surface roughness will be measured using drone surveys of 2-3, 300 x 300 m, locations at each secondary site. A simplified snow-pit and ice core sampling scheme will enable collection of the following variables at 100-200 m intervals along a transect line:
• snow temperature, density, and salinity (profiles with 5 cm vertical spacing);
• snow stratigraphy and grain type;
• sea ice temperature and salinity (profiles with 10 cm vertical spacing);
• sea ice stratigraphy; and
• snow and sea ice thickness, with sea ice freeboard height.
Along the transects, small, battery operated, profiling CTDs will be lowered and raised through a 9 cm diameter hole in the sea ice to measure the temperature and salinity of the water column. This is especially important on sea ice adjacent to Tuktoyaktuk, given the relevance of freshwater in the upper ocean and its potential impact of sea ice SAR measurements. Meteorological data will also be obtained from Environment and Climate Change Canada maintained weather stations in proximity of study communities. The collected field data will provide geophysical and EM data for constraining uncertainties in satellite signals and optimizing SAR modes for estimation of continuous variables roughness and thickness, and, if applicable, for detecting slush zones. Data will be used for development of satellite-based retrieval algorithms, for validation with independent data and transfer to SmartICE Travel Safety Maps along with SmartICE produced training materials.
A variety of research output formats are needed to meet the range of accessibility needs of Inuit Nunangat (IN) communities, requiring us to discuss with each SmartICE community management committee (CMC) how best and how often to communicate results. Forms may include videos, newsletters, community meetings, or Facebook posts, all of which SmartICE has experience in producing and sharing in IN. In Tuktoyaktuk, SmartICE has partnered with the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation (TCC) for ice monitoring and mapping operations in the community since 2018. SmartICE provides equipment and annual training for the TCC’s Climate Monitors and supports the Community Knowledge Coordinator, Courtnee Kikoak, in researching and creating Inuvialuktun-based Ice Travel Safety Products (e.g., Ice Travel Safety posters, illustrated Ice Terminology books, Ice Travel Hazard maps).
The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from:
March 21 - March 28, 2025 Show less
