We report characteristics of Seasat altimetry signatures recorded over Antarctic sea ice. Up to four discrete zones can at times be seen in characteristic sequences in the Weddell and Ross Seas, and elsewhere. They are substantially larger than those reported in the Arctic, covering up to 2500 km at the time of maximum ice extent in 1978. Transitions between them can be abrupt, with marked changes occurring in less than a few kilometres. Some zones were found to persist through the 3 month satellite lifetime; others exhibited intermittent variations. Repeat data coverage has enabled temporal as well as spatial patterns to be investigated.

Interpretation of the geophysical cause of the patterns observed has been limited by available data. Some comparisons may be made with surface measurements of nadir back-scatter on first- and multi-year floes but these account for only a small proportion of the altimetry returns studied. Correlations with the NOAA Navy Ice Charts show significant disparities in the determination of the ice edge which may relate to the sensitivity of the altimeter to the presence of fresh ice or ice in very small quantities. Similar signatures can be found next to small coastal leads at the continental margin, an area known to be important for the growth of new ice.