We are happy to inform you that a Conversion Library for Sea Ice Parameters with Uncertainties Propagation is now available in SIN’XS!
The SIN’XS project aims to inter-compare various methods used to calculate sea ice thickness, a critical metric for understanding climate change and environmental dynamics in polar regions. Sea ice thickness can be computed from a variety of input datasets, necessitating harmonized calculation methods to navigate between different measurements effectively.
The diverse range of datasets uploaded to SIN’XS prompted the project team to develop a library to handle conversions between different measurable parameters and propagate uncertainties for the most reliable results. Parameters such as Radar Freeboard Ku-band (FB Ku), Radar Freeboard Ka-band (FB Ka), Total Freeboard (measured by laser), Sea Ice Thickness (SIT total measured with the EM31 method), Draft (estimated from moorings), and Snow Depth (measured by snow radar) are interconnected, allowing for the computation of the remaining six parameters from any given pair. Managing the numerous possible conversions and ensuring accurate uncertainty propagation is a significant challenge, which we have resolved.
The proposed conversion library is designed to:
- Perform conversions between any pair of the eight observed parameters;
- Calculate the propagation of uncertainties for each conversion;
- Provide accurate and reliable estimates for the desired parameters, specifically focusing on Sea Ice Thickness (SIT) and Snow Depth (SD).
Sea ice scientists often face situations where only a subset of parameters is available. For instance, Radar FB Ku and Draft might be measured directly, but Sea Ice Thickness and Snow Depth need to be inferred. Given that any pair of the eight parameters can be used to derive the other six, there are 28 possible pairs, leading to 168 unique equations required for conversion. This complexity required a robust computational framework to handle these conversions and the associated uncertainties.
Developing a conversion library for sea ice parameters, with an emphasis on accurate uncertainty propagation, addresses the significant need for integrating a wide range of datasets from diverse sources into the SIN’XS site. By enabling the calculation of any parameter from any pair of observed values, this library facilitates comprehensive analysis and enhances the reliability of sea ice measurements. Consequently, the inter-comparison of different input datasets can be conducted using reliable output measurements, significantly advancing our understanding of sea ice dynamics and their implications for climate change.
