Microwave remote sensing plays a major role in areas where cloud cover and darkness prevail. In this and the next paper, models are described for the radar backscatter from two major types of sea ice in an attempt to specify optimum sensor parameters and to allow the most reliable image interpretation possible. Here, the physical-optics model using an exponential correlation function is shown to be able to presict the signatures of first-year ice under cold conditions. The effect of volume scattering by small inclusions in the first-year ics is shown to be negligible using a semi-empirical volume scattering model.