Satellite altimetry for glacier and ice sheet changes

– Geir Moholdt, glaciologue, North Polar Institute –

Résumé :

Cryospheric altimeters like ICESat-1/2 and CryoSat-2 have opened up a well of possibilities for glaciological monitoring and research through their ability to resolve fine-scale surface elevations in sloping terrain. In this presentation, we will look at various types of glaciological applications and how these altimeters have helped to constrain global glacier mass balance and its contribution to sea level change. We will show examples from case studies over Arctic glaciers and Antarctic ice shelves, as well as briefly reviewing other relevant studies and the current state of knowledge in a global perspective.