This paper discusses the features observed over the
Antarctic in the passive microwave emission region
by the multi-frequency scanning microwave radiometer
(MSMR) instrument on-board the Indian
remote sensing satellite IRS-P4, now called
OCEANSAT–1. Brightness temperature images produced
from MSMR show a clear distinction between
open water and sea-ice-covered regions. It is also
possible to differentiate several levels of ice concentration in the Antarctic Circumpolar Ocean. A number
of land features like the Trans-Antarctic Mountain
Ranges, part of Gamburtsev sub-glacial mountains,
Wilkes and Aurora sub-glacial basins, etc. can
be demarcated as well. The consistent quality and
regular availability of MSMR data since June 1999
serve as a very useful tool in all-weather day-andnight
monitoring of the Antarctic region. MSMR
data used in continuation of ESMR, SMMR and
SSM/I data, would prove valuable in the study of
long-term changes in the polar cryosphere associated
with global climate change
