Advantages and Limitations of L-Band Bistatic Radar Remote Sensing of Landscape Freeze/Thaw State

This paper presents results from recent satellite Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) experiments in the northern high latitudes. Seasonal changes in the reflected signal are attributed to changes in the freeze/thaw state of the landscape. Here, we describe the unique geometries and sampling strategies that GNSS-R provide, which come with both advantages and limitations visà-vis traditional remote sensing techniques for monitoring the freeze/thaw transition. We will compare observational GNSSR data in the northern high latitudes with cotemporaneous Lband radiometer and radar data to highlight these advantages and limitations.