Sea Ice Extent and Classification Mapping with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Airborne Simulator

An algorithm for mapping sea ice extent and generalized classification of sea ice by reflective and temperature characteristics with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Airborne Simulator (MAS) data is presented. The algorithm was tested using a MAS scene over the Bering Sea near St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, USA, acquired 8 April 1995. Clouds were masked with the University of Wisconsin cloud masking algorithm. Ice surface temperature was estimated with a split-window technique. Sea ice extent and generalized type of sea ice were identified based on reflective characteristics and estimated ice surface temperature using a grouped criteria technique. Resulting maps were consistent with visual interpretation and with sea ice extent and type information reported in prior studies of the region.