Remote Sensing of Sea Ice in the Northern Sea Route Studies and Applications

Remote Sensing of Sea Ice in the Northern Sea Route: Studies and Applications initially provides a history of the Northern Sea Route as an important strategic transport route for supporting the northern regions of Russia and cargo transportation between Europe and the Northern Pacific Basin. The authors then describe sea ice conditions in the Eurasian Arctic Seas and, using microwave satellite data, provide a detailed analysis of difficult sea ice conditions. Remote sensing techniques and the basic principles of SAR image formation are described, as well as the major satellite radar systems used for ice studies in the Arctic. The authors take a good look at the use of sensing equipment in experiments, including the ICE WATCH project used for monitoring the Northern Sea Route. The possibilities of using SAR remote sensing for ice navigation in the Northern Sea Route is also detailed, analysing techniques of automatic image processing and interpretation. A study is provided of regional drifting ice, fast ice and river ice in the coastal areas of the Arctic Seas. The book concludes with a review of the practical experience using SAR images for supporting navigation and offshore industrial activity, based on a series of experiments conducted with the Murmansk Shipping Company on board nuclear icebreakers.

From the reviews:

"Remote Sensing of Sea Ice in the Northern Sea Route is a timely work. ... The book is amply and well illustrated with 186 figures, a section of 55 color plates, and many tables. The references extend over 28 pages, providing a valuable guide ... . a valuable addition to the literature on Arctic sea ice that details the extensive work on the topic carried out in the former Soviet Union and in Russia. ... to be available primarily to specialist libraries." (Roger G. Barry, Eos, July, 2008)

"The book is very timely. ... 28 authors have contributed to the seven chapters of the book ... . also comprises lists of tables, figures, and abbreviations, as well as references, index, and a glossary of sea-ice terms. The quality of printed SAR images is remarkably good ... . overall the book includes a wealth of information and facts. ... is a must for anybody involved in shipping along the NSR, including ship operators, politicians, and scientists." (Christian Haas, Polarforschung, Vol. 76 (3), 2006)