Surface and airborne infrared detection of sea ice hazards

Abstract

This Masters Report is concerned with the assessment of the capability of instruments to detect ice hazard targets using the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is a target/sensor interaction study and discusses infrared theory, atmospherics, basic infrared systems and the targets being sensed. These factors are assessed to determine optimum infrared capability. -- The results of this target/sensor interaction study shows that the temperature ranges to be sensed for sky, marine and targets are basically ambient temperature (-20° to 20°C). Wavelengths for sensing are identified as the 3 to 5 micrometer and 8 to 14 micrometer ranges with a peak wavelength of 10.6 micrometers identified as the optimum for sensing the temperature range -20° to 20°C. -- The report shows that the potential exists to use infrared systems and devices to detect and monitor icebergs and sea ice but before conclusive detection can be achieved the ice targets such as icebergs, bergy bits, growlers, multi-year floes and first year floes must be characterized according to their infrared signature. The lack of characteristic infrared target signatures is the weakest link in assessing the capability of any infrared sensor for ice detection. A target signature program is recommended for both wavelength ranges discussed, the 3 to 5 micrometer and the 8 to 14 micrometer.