Investigating the Capability of a New Surface-Based EM Instrument, the Sea Ice Sensor (SIS), to Measure Sea Ice Thickness

Sea ice thickness measurement is an important parameter in climate system models, safety and efficiency of offshore operations and maritime navigation. Electromagnetic (EM) induction instruments are commonly used to measure this parameter. Sea Ice Sensor (SIS) is a new surface-based EM instrument that utilizes single frequency and multiple transmitter-receiver coil configurations to measure sea ice thickness. This thesis investigates SIS capability to measure sea ice thickness over a variety of sea ice types. Signal sensitivity, the accuracy of the inversion algorithm used and the pitch and roll effect on the inversion results were investigated. Overall SIS proved to provide accurate sea ice thickness estimates over a variety of sea ice types. Utilization of 2 m coil spacing and a single EM data component appeared to be effective and sufficient for most sea ice types. Utilization of Pitch and roll measurements improved results accuracy.