Three-dimensional mapping by Cryosat 2 of subglacial lake volumes

McMillan, Malcolm; Corr, Hugh; Shepherd, Andrew; Ridout, Andrew; Laxon, Seymour; Cullen, Robert. 2013 Three-dimensional mapping by Cryosat 2 of subglacial lake volumes. Geophysical Research Letters, 40 (16). 4321-4327. 10.1002/grl.50689

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Abstract/Summary

We analyze data acquired by the CryoSat-2 interferometric radar altimeter and demonstrate its novel capability to track topographic features on the Antarctic Ice Sheet. We map the perimeter and depth of a 260 km2 surface depression above an Antarctic subglacial lake (SGL) and, in combination with Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite laser altimetry, chart decadal changes in SGL volume. During 2007–2008, between 4.9 and 6.4 km3 of water drained from the SGL, and peak discharge exceeded 160 m3 s−1. The flood was twice as large as any previously recorded and equivalent to ~ 10% of the meltwater generated annually beneath the ice sheet. The ice surface has since uplifted at a rate of 5.6 ± 2.8 m yr−1. Our study demonstrates the ability of CryoSat-2 to provide detailed maps of ice sheet topography, its potential to accurately measure SGL drainage events, and the contribution it can make to understanding water flow beneath Antarctica.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1002/grl.50689
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Long-Term Monitoring and Survey – Geosciences Division BAS Programmes > Polar Science for Planet Earth (2009 - ) > Environmental Change and Evolution BAS Programmes > Polar Science for Planet Earth (2009 - ) > Ice Sheets
ISSN:	0094-8276
Additional Keywords:	3D mapping, three-dimensional mapping, inferometric altimetry, radar altimetry, subglacial lake drainage, ice sheet topography, ice sheet maps
Date made live:	01 Jul 2013 08:41 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/502072

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1002/grl.50689

Programmes:

BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Long-Term Monitoring and Survey – Geosciences Division
BAS Programmes > Polar Science for Planet Earth (2009 - ) > Environmental Change and Evolution
BAS Programmes > Polar Science for Planet Earth (2009 - ) > Ice Sheets

ISSN:

0094-8276

Additional Keywords:

3D mapping, three-dimensional mapping, inferometric altimetry, radar altimetry, subglacial lake drainage, ice sheet topography, ice sheet maps

Date made live:

01 Jul 2013 08:41 +0 (UTC)