2017-01-09:
Satellite sensors deliver key information on the mass balance of ice sheets and glaciers through observation of surface topography and topographic change. Satellite-borne altimeters and interferometric SAR provide a comprehensive data base for this task. The integration of data from the different sensors requires sensor specific corrections accounting for differences in spatial resolution, coverage and signal penetration.
In order to support the development and validation of data integration and correction algorithms for topographic sensors, ENVEO CEO Helmut Rott conducted field measurements in Antarctica in December 2016, studying structural properties and stratification of snow and ice. The field sites are located in the Heritage Range, West Antarctica (79.7 deg. S, 83 deg. W). Comprehensive logistic support was provided by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE). The snow pit measurements cover different snow and ice regimes, including bare ice surfaces (blue ice) and snow packs at sites with different wind exposure conditions and accumulation rates. These data provide an excellent basis for evaluating satellite topographic data from various satellite missions such as TanDEM-X, CryoSat and ICESat, as well as for validating electromagnetic models on radar signal propagation in polar snow and ice.
Fig. 1: Location of union Glacier (UG). Background: NOAA satellite image map.
Fig. 2: Ilushin-76TD provides transport from Punta Arenas (Chile) to UG, landing on a blue ice runway.
Fig. 3: Snow drift in UG base camp.
Fig. 4: H.Rott starts diggin a snow pit on UG.
Fig. 5: Drift snow and blue ice near the air field. Drake Icefall in the background.