A multi-polarization analysis of Terra Nova Bay polynya

This study focuses on the analysis of Terra Nova Bay (TNB) polynya, Antarctica using multi-polarization C-band Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) measurements. The study aims at analyzing the added-value of polarimet- ric measurements in observing the polynya and its inhomogeneities with respect to the single polarization counterpart. The analysis contrasts single-polarization co- and cross-polarized SAR measurements with dual-polarimetric coherent ones using the following metrics: normalized radar cross section (NRCS) for the single-pol channels and eigenvalue de- composition parameters for the dual-pol measurements. Experimental results show the extra benefits carried on polSAR measurements that allow a more roboust and stable separation between ice-free water and ice streaks.