1.24 - Geophysical methods in cryosphere science, Volume 1

Geophysics is used extensively to determine the structure and dynamics of the ice sheets, and to help us understand how they will change in the future. Measurements of ice sheet geometry, englacial properties, basal processes, and subglacial geology and hydrology, are fundamental to our understanding of ice sheet processes and allow us to evaluate ice sheet models that project ice sheet evolution. Extensive airborne radar campaigns have been used to determine the ice sheets’ geometry in unprecedented detail, providing data that are fundamental to our current understanding. Seismic and electrical methods provide insight to subglacial structure and properties, and gravity and magnetic methods help delineate the broad scale geology beneath the ice sheets. GPS observations on ice sheets are ubiquitous, critical as both a surveying tool and to our understanding of ice flow and mass loss. Geophysical methods and technology are developing continuously and such observations will continue to be essential as ice sheet change becomes more significant and impactful.