Meteorological Technology International
  • News
    • A-E
      • Agriculture
      • Automated Weather Stations
      • Aviation
      • Climate Measurement
      • Data
      • Developing Countries
      • Digital Applications
      • Early Warning Systems
      • Extreme Weather
    • G-P
      • Hydrology
      • Lidar
      • Lightning Detection
      • New Appointments
      • Nowcasting
      • Numerical Weather Prediction
      • Polar Weather
    • R-S
      • Radar
      • Rainfall
      • Remote Sensing
      • Renewable Energy
      • Satellites
      • Solar
      • Space Weather
      • Supercomputers
    • T-Z
      • Training
      • Transport
      • Weather Instruments
      • Wind
      • World Meteorological Organization
      • Meteorological Technology World Expo
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    • April 2023
    • September 2022
    • April 2022
    • September 2021
    • Archive Issues
    • Subscribe Free!
  • Opinion
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Jobs
    • Browse Industry Jobs
    • Post a Job – It’s FREE!
    • Manage Jobs (Employers)
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook
  • Sign-up for Free Weekly E-Newsletter
  • Meet the Editors
  • Contact Us
  • Media Pack
LinkedIn Facebook
Subscribe
Meteorological Technology International
  • News
      • Agriculture
      • Automated Weather Stations
      • Aviation
      • Climate Measurement
      • Data
      • Developing Countries
      • Digital Applications
      • Early Warning Systems
      • Extreme Weather
      • Hydrology
      • Lidar
      • Lightning Detection
      • New Appointments
      • Nowcasting
      • Numerical Weather Prediction
      • Polar Weather
      • Radar
      • Rainfall
      • Remote Sensing
      • Renewable Energy
      • Satellites
      • Solar
      • Space Weather
      • Supercomputers
      • Training
      • Transport
      • Weather Instruments
      • Wind
      • World Meteorological Organization
      • Meteorological Technology World Expo
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    1. September 2023
    2. April 2023
    3. September 2022
    4. April 2022
    5. Archive Issues
    6. Subscribe Free!
    Featured
    August 10, 2023

    In this Issue – September 2023

    By Web TeamAugust 10, 2023
    Recent

    In this Issue – September 2023

    August 10, 2023

    In this Issue – April 2023

    April 18, 2023

    In this Issue – September 2022

    August 12, 2022
  • Opinion
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Jobs
    • Browse Industry Jobs
    • Post a Job – It’s FREE!
    • Manage Jobs (Employers)
Facebook LinkedIn
Meteorological Technology International
News

Researchers combine AI with satellites to measure Arctic Sea ice thickness year round

Dan SymondsBy Dan SymondsSeptember 28, 20223 Mins Read
Share LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
Share
LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email

An international team of scientists has announced that it is now able to measure the thickness of ice in the Arctic Sea 365 days a year using satellites.

The solution was developed by an international team that includes the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), along with partners from the USA, Canada and Germany.

Sea ice poses a critical hazard to ships, particularly small and medium-sized vessels, with accurate information about the location and thickness of ice needed in advance. The Norwegian Meteorological Institute provides sea ice forecasts for the Arctic but previously lacked reliable information concerning ice thickness for the summer months.

Jack Landy, team leader from the department of physics and technology at UiT, said, “The Arctic ice is melting faster than ever. We need information about the thickness of the sea ice, both to reduce safety risks for businesses and shipping in the Arctic, but also to make more accurate forecasts for the future climate.”

Satellites have been used to measure the thickness of ice in the Arctic since the 1980s. But the technique has only worked in winter, from October to March when the ice and snow are cold and dry, as the satellites were unable to distinguish between melting ice and sea water. To solve the problem, researchers adopted artificial intelligence using convolutional neural network methods to classify sea ice and open water leads, and examined the data from the satellites. They were able to identify when the satellite sees the ocean as opposed to melting ice. The advantage of this is that it improves the robustness of the satellite thickness measurement and extends the lead time of the sea ice forecasts by several months.

Landy added, “Using the new satellite data, we are finally able to make sea ice forecasts informed by the ice thickness all year round, thereby reducing risks for ships and fishing boats. We can also predict whether there will be ice or not at a given location in September by measuring the ice thickness in May, helping shippers to navigate much easier.”

In addition, the scientists constructed a new computer model of the satellite sensor, to ensure it is measuring the correct height and thickness. The research team has developed the first data set showing the thickness of sea ice across the entire Arctic and through a whole year.

Dr Michel Tsamados, associate professor in polar observation and modeling at University College London and one of the researchers behind the study, said, “When we use the new ice thickness data in advanced climate models, it will improve both our short-term forecasts for the weather at the mid-latitudes and the long-term forecasts that show what climate we will have in the future.”

Dr Yevgeny Aksenov, principal researcher at NOC, said, “Sea ice thickness is a key factor in designing operational forecasting and hazard warning systems for polar navigation, since it affects the safe speed of vessels in icy conditions. However, looking only at sea ice conditions can also be misleading. Other hazards, such as high ocean waves frequently occurring in the polar seas in the absence of sea ice, can damage ships and offshore structures. We also need awareness of other combined hazards, such as ship hull and offshore structures damaged by sea ice and waves in the polar environment as they have wide relevance to maritime industries’ safety.”

To read the complete study, click here.

Previous ArticleVaisala launches hyperlocal air quality forecasting service
Next Article Social science study identifies Spanish terminology improvements for tornado warnings

Read Similar Stories

Data

NASA launches US Greenhouse Gas Center to share climate data

December 4, 20233 Mins Read
Weather Instruments

American Bureau of Shipping awards first autonomous USV classification to Saildrone

November 24, 20232 Mins Read
Oceans

NOAA unveils tool for exploring coral reef data

November 17, 20233 Mins Read
Latest News

OPINION: Ocean observation as a cornerstone for early warnings and coastal resilience

December 8, 2023

Climate change impact on microbes alters greenhouse gases in oceans, reports Incheon National University

December 8, 2023

China Meteorological Administration launches 3D sea fog observation vessel

December 8, 2023

Receive breaking stories and features in your inbox each week, for free


Enter your email address:


Free Reader Enquiry Service


Request exclusive and rapid information about the latest technologies and services from the advertisers featured in our latest issue!

Click here

Supplier Spotlights
  • Sommer GmbH
Getting in Touch
  • Contact Us / Advertise
  • Meet the Editors
  • Download Media Pack
  • Free Weekly E-Newsletter
Our Social Channels
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
© 2023 UKi Media & Events a division of UKIP Media & Events Ltd
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Notice and Takedown Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Others

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by