Radar altimeter waveform simulations in Antarctica with the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer Model (SMRT)

Radar altimeters are important tools to monitor the volume of ice sheets. The penetration radar waves in snowpack is a major source uncertainty retrieve surface elevation. To correct this effect, better understanding sensitivity waveforms snow properties needed. Here, we present an extension Snow Model Radiative Transfer (SMRT) compute and conduct series simulations on Antarctic sheet. SMRT driven by roughness measured over large latitudinal range during two field campaigns Plateau. These measurements show that rougher, denser, less stratified, warmer, has smaller grains near coast than central compared satellite observations Ka, Ku, S bands. reproduces observed well. For all sites sensors, main contribution comes from echo. echo (volume scattering) represents up 40% amplitude total waveform power Ka band, at lower frequencies. highest Plateau due combination higher reflection surface, scattering Ku bands, inter-layer reflections band. In wave penetrates deeply because strong caused larger grains. opposite deeper absorption temperatures. elevation bias into constant 10 cm for 11 cm, 21 band close Plateau, respectively. Now performing simulations, further work will address how affect parameters retrieved more advanced retracking algorithms such as ICE-2 different cover surfaces.