Radiometric Measurements Of Snow And Ice Surfaces In Antarctica

First results of a ground radiometric campaign carried out in Antarctica during the last Italian scientific expedition in winter 1994/95 are here presented. The measurements were collected by means of a 4-channel radiometer, fitting with the MSS and first 4 TM spectral intervals. More than 100 measurements were taken in different sites, concerning three main categories: snow cover, continental ice, and marine ice. The investigation consisted in the collection of radiance information accompanied by observations of physical properties of the surfaces according to the standards by the International Glaciological Society. The reflectance values of different snow/ice covers indicate some interesting remarks to the use of these results as a method for the calibration of satellite imagery to a better understanding of this particular environment.