To replace the missing AMSR-E-derived sea ice maps after the AMSR-E instrument failure on October 4, 2011, we apply the same algorithm (ARTIST sea ice) to the 91 GHz channels of the SSMIS instrument (DMSP satellites), the main difference being the change of frequency from 89 GHz (AMSR-E) to 91 GHz (SSMIS). To achieve the best compatibility, the parameters of the ASI algorithm would need to be adjusted. As we expect the changes would only be marginal, and in order to resume this service as quickly as possible, we refrain from any adjustment here. For compatibility, we keep the grid spacing of 3.125 km for the regional maps, although the resolution of the SSMIS 91 GHz data (footprint size) is 13.2 by 15.5 km. Note within about 20 km of coasts, the data can often not be used for sea ice retrieval - thus the grey zones along the coasts.
Data files for every region in HDF and GEOTIFF format are also accessible via the data archive.
Grid coordinate files for every region in HDF format for: Arctic/Other regions; Antarctic regions.
Please contact us if you need any other special region.
SSMIS/DMSP data collected by the US Air Force Weather Agency.
Distributed by: NOAA's Comprehensive Large-Array data Stewardship System (CLASS).
No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data! False ice concentrations can occur due to bad weather systems.
