Deep neural network-based spatial gap-filling of MODIS ice surface temperatures over the Arctic using satellite and reanalysis data

Abstract

Because ice surface temperature (IST) controls snow melt, sea ice growth and air–ocean heat exchange, it is a key parameter in analyses of the Arctic climate system. However, optical satellite-based IST data often have missing values due to the satellite orbit, clouds and polar night. In this study, we estimated IST using a deep neural network (DNN) algorithm based on meteorological, sea ice and geometric variables that are strongly correlated with IST. Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Terra IST data were used, and the input data were 2 m air temperature (Ta), 30-year averaged Ta (Ta climatology), total column water vapour (TCWV), solar zenith angle (SZA), local solar noon angle (LSN) and latitude. The data were classified into six cases according to sea ice age (SIA) and Ta to create an efficient DNN model that supplemented the IST data missing from the existing dataset. Model validation based on the MODIS IST data revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.94, root mean square error of 3.54 K and relative root mean square error of 1.35%, showing high accuracy. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.