scholarly journals Glacier mass and area changes on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 1986–2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (258) ◽  
pp. 603-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruitang Yang ◽  
Regine Hock ◽  
Shichang Kang ◽  
Donghui Shangguan ◽  
Wanqin Guo
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Fresh Water ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Gulf Of Alaska ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Kenai Peninsula ◽  
South Central ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Global Sea Level ◽  
Elevation Model

AbstractGlacier mass loss in Alaska has implications for global sea level rise, fresh water input into the Gulf of Alaska and terrestrial fresh water resources. We map all glaciers (>4000 km2) on the Kenai Peninsula, south central Alaska, for the years 1986, 1995, 2005 and 2016, using satellite images. Changes in surface elevation and volume are determined by differencing a digital elevation model (DEM) derived from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer stereo images in 2005 from the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar DEM of 2014. The glacier area shrunk by 543 ± 123 km2 (12 ± 3%) between 1986 and 2016. The region-wide mass-balance rate between 2005 and 2014 was −0.94 ± 0.12 m w.e. a−1 (−3.84 ± 0.50 Gt a−1), which is almost twice as negative than found for earlier periods in previous studies indicating an acceleration in glacier mass loss in this region. Area-averaged mass changes were most negative for lake-terminating glaciers (−1.37 ± 0.13 m w.e. a−1), followed by land-terminating glaciers (−1.02 ± 0.13 m w.e. a−1) and tidewater glaciers (−0.45 ± 0.14 m w.e. a−1). Unambiguous attribution of the observed acceleration in mass loss over the last decades is hampered by the scarcity of observational data, especially at high elevation, and by large interannual variability.

scholarly journals 21st-century increase in glacier mass loss in the Wrangell Mountains, Alaska, USA, from airborne laser altimetry and satellite stereo imagery

2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (220) ◽  
pp. 283-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Indrani Das ◽  
Regine Hock ◽  
Etienne Berthier ◽  
Craig S. Lingle
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Center Line ◽  
Laser Altimetry ◽  
Tidewater Glaciers ◽  
Airborne Laser ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Stereo Imagery ◽  
Elevation Model

AbstractAlaskan glaciers are among the largest regional contributors to sea-level rise in the latter half of the 20th century. Earlier studies have documented extensive and accelerated ice wastage in most regions of Alaska. Here we study five decades of mass loss on high-elevation, land-terminating glaciers of the Wrangell Mountains (~ 4900 km2) in central Alaska based on airborne center-line laser altimetry data from 2000 and 2007, a digital elevation model (DEM) from ASTER and SPOT5, and US Geological Survey topographic maps from 1957. The regional mass-balance estimates derived from center-line laser altimetry profiles using two regional extrapolation techniques agree well with that from DEM differencing. Repeat altimetry measurements reveal accelerated mass loss over the Wrangell Mountains, with the regional mass-balance rate evolving from –0.07 ± 0.19 m w.e. a–1 during 1957–2000 to –0.24 ± 0.16 m w.e. a–1 during 2000–07. Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers. Together, our laser altimetry and satellite DEM analyses demonstrate increased wastage of these glaciers during the last 50 years.

scholarly journals Calving event size measurements and statistics of Eqip Sermia, Greenland, from terrestrial radar interferometry

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1051-1066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Walter ◽  
Martin P. Lüthi ◽  
Andreas Vieli
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Greenland Ice Sheet ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Simple Relationship ◽  
Outlet Glacier ◽  
Bed Topography ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Global Sea Level ◽  
Log Normal ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract. Calving is a crucial process for the recently observed dynamic mass loss changes of the Greenland ice sheet. Despite its importance for global sea level change, major limitations in understanding the process of calving remain. This study presents high-resolution calving event data and statistics recorded with a terrestrial radar interferometer at the front of Eqip Sermia, a marine-terminating outlet glacier in Greenland. The derived digital elevation models with a spatial resolution of several metres recorded at 1 min intervals were processed to provide source areas and volumes of 906 individual calving events during a 6 d period. The calving front can be divided into sectors ending in shallow and deep water with different calving statistics and styles. For the shallow sector, characterized by an inclined and very high front, calving events are more frequent and larger than for the vertical ice cliff of the deep sector. We suggest that the calving volume deficiency of 90 % relative to the estimated ice flux in our observations of the deep sector is removed by oceanic melt, subaquatic calving, and small aerial calving events. Assuming a similar ice thickness for both sectors implies that subaqueous mass loss must be substantial for this sector with a contribution of up to 65 % to the frontal mass loss. The size distribution of the shallow sector is represented by a log-normal model, while for the deep sector the log-normal and power-law model fit well, but none of them are significantly better. Variations in calving activity and style between the sectors seem to be controlled by the bed topography and the front geometry. Within the short observation period no simple relationship between environmental forcings and calving frequency or event volume could be detected.

scholarly journals Measuring Decadal Vertical Land-level Changes from SRTM-C (2000) and TanDEM-X (~ 2015) in the South-Central Andes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Purinton ◽  
Bodo Bookhagen
Keyword(s):  
Central Andes ◽  
Control Surface ◽  
The South ◽  
High Resolution Data ◽  
Gravel Bed ◽  
South Central ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Mountain Belts ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Limit Detection

Abstract. Vertical change is often measured in the cryosphere via digital elevation model (DEM) differencing to assess glacier and ice-sheet mass balances. This requires the signal of change to outweigh the noise associated with the datasets. On the ice-free earth, land-level change is much smaller in magnitude and thus requires more accurate DEMs for differencing and identification of change. Previously, this has required high-resolution data at small scales. For the first time we measure land-level changes at the scale of entire mountain belts in the south-central Andes using the SRTM-C (collected in 2000) and the TanDEM-X (collected from 2010–2015), both spaceborne radar DEMs. Long-standing errors in the SRTM-C are corrected using the TanDEM-X as a control surface and applying cosine-fit co-registration to remove ~ 1/10 pixel (~ 3 m) shifts, Fast Fourier Transform and filtering to remove SRTM-C short- and long-wavelength stripes, and blocked shifting to remove remaining complex biases. The datasets are then differenced and outlier pixels are identified as potential signal for the case of gravel-bed channels and hillslopes. We are able to identify signals of incision and aggradation (with magnitudes down to ~ 3 m in best case) in two > 100 km river reaches, with increased geomorphic activity downstream of knickpoints. Anthropogenic gravel excavation and piling is prominently measured, with magnitudes exceeding ±5 m (up to > 10 m for large piles). These values correspond to conservative rates of 0.2 to > 0.5 m/yr for vertical changes in gravel-bed rivers. For hillslopes, since we require stricter cutoffs for noise, we are only able to identify one major landslide with a deposit volume of 16 ± 0.15 × 106 m3. Additional signals of change can be garnered from TanDEM-X auxiliary layers, however, these are more difficult to quantify. The methods presented can be extended to any region of the world with SRTM-C and TanDEM-X coverage where vertical land-level changes are of interest, with the caveat that remaining vertical uncertainties in primarily the SRTM-C limit detection in steep and complex topography.

scholarly journals Landsat TM and ETM+ derived snowline altitudes in the Cordillera Huayhuash and Cordillera Raura, Peru, 1986–2005

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 419-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. McFadden ◽  
J. Ramage ◽  
D. T. Rodbell
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Thematic Mapper ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Clear Sky ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Local Climate Change ◽  
Elevation Model

Abstract. The Cordilleras Huayhuash and Raura are remote glacierized ranges in the Andes Mountains of Peru. A robust assessment of modern glacier change is important for understanding how regional change affects Andean communities, and for placing paleo-glaciers in a context relative to modern glaciation and climate. Snowline altitudes (SLAs) derived from satellite imagery are used as a proxy for modern (1986–2005) local climate change in a key transition zone in the Andes. Clear sky, dry season Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) satellite images from 1986–2005 were used to identify snowline positions, and their altitude ranges were extracted from an Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) digital elevation model (DEM). Based on satellite records from 31 glaciers, average snowline altitudes (SLAs), an approximation for the equilibrium line altitude (ELA), for the Cordillera Huayhuash (13 glaciers) and Cordillera Raura (18 glaciers) from 1986–2005 were 5051 m a.s.l. from 1986–2005 and 5006 m a.s.l. from 1986–2002, respectively. During the same time period, the Cordillera Huayhuash SLA experienced no significant change while the Cordillera Raura SLA rose significantly from 4947 m a.s.l. to 5044 m a.s.l.

scholarly journals Analysis of Morphological Features of Sargalu Region in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, North of Iraq, by using Geographic Information System

2021 ◽  
pp. 1164-1176
Author(s):  
Ali Abdul-Jaleel Hussain ◽  
Muaid Jassim Rasheed
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Asymmetry Factor ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Structural Disturbance ◽  
Tectonically Active ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Geological Formations ◽  
Tectonic Activities

It is an ideal area of research to examine related indicators to anticipate relative tectonic activities, where there is a broad range of geological formations with elements of different sedimentary rocks. This study includes assessing and evaluating the relative tectonic activities within the Sargalu area by using a morphometric approach, which involved the use of different indices that can explain and help understanding the geometry, development level, lithology, and structural disturbance on a sub-basinal level. The research was accomplished by using ArcGIS 10.5 hydrology tools to design the drainage system of each studied stream. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery data and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM 90m) were used. Moreover, Global Mapper and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were applied. DEM datasets of ASTER were used for watershed delineation. Also, 14 sub-basins were delineated in the Sargalu area. Morphometric indices used include Shape Related Indices, such as Rc, Bs, Rf, Ls, Re, T, and Af. Basin asymmetry factor (Af) and several geomorphic indices were also utilized. Based on the shape related indices (Rc, Rf, Re, Ls, and Cc), the results were found to be similar and, for most sub-basins, had an elongated nature. The elongated basins are connected with tectonically active areas, while the circulated basins are connected with the tectonically undisturbed environment.

scholarly journals Identification and mapping of soil erosion areas in the Blue Nile-Eastern Sudan using multispectral ASTER and MODIS satellite data and the SRTM elevation model

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-177
Author(s):  
M. El Haj Tahir ◽  
A. Kääb ◽  
C.-Y. Xu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission ◽  
Arid Ecosystems ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Blue Nile ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ◽  
Elevation Model

Abstract. This paper is part of a set of studies to evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of soil water in terms of natural as well as land-use changes as fundamental factors for vegetation regeneration in arid ecosystems in the Blue Nile-Sudan. The specific aim is to indicate the spatial distribution of soil erosion caused by the rains of 2006. The current study is conducted to determine whether automatic classification of multispectral Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery could accurately discriminate erosion gullies. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) is used to orthoproject ASTER data. A maximum likelihood classifier is trained with four classes, Gullies, Flat_Land, Mountains and Water and applied to images from March and December 2006. Validation is done with field data from December and January 2006/2007, and using drainage network analysis of SRTM digital elevation model. The results allow the identification of erosion gullies and subsequent estimation of eroded area. Consequently the results were up-scaled using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images of the same dates. Because the selected study site is representative of the wider Blue Nile province, it is expected that the approach presented could be applied to larger areas.

scholarly journals Comparison of Vertical Accuracy of Open-Source Global Digital Elevation Models: A Case Study of Adama City, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1731-1744
Author(s):  
Hailu Zewde Abili
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Accuracy Assessment ◽  
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Aster Gdem ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vertical Accuracy ◽  
Elevation Model

DEM can be generated from a wide range of sources including land surveys, Photogrammetry, and Remote sensing satellites. SRTM 30m DEM by The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), the Global Digital Elevation Model by Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER GDEM) and a global surface model called ALOS Worldview 3D 30 meter (AW3D30) by Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) are satellite-based global DEMs open-source DEM datasets. This study aims to assess the vertical accuracy of ASTER GDEM2, SRTM 30m, and ALOS (AW3D30) global DEMs over Ethiopia in the study area-Adama by using DGPS points and available accurate reference DEM data. The method used to evaluate the vertical accuracy of those DEMs ranges from simple visual comparison to relative and absolute comparisons providing quantitative assessment (Statistical) that used the elevation differences between DEM datasets and reference datasets. The result of this assessment showed better accuracy of SRTM 30m DEM (having RMSE of ± 4.63 m) and closely followed by ALOS (AW3D30) DEM which scored RMSE of ± 5.25 m respectively. ASTER GDEM 2 showed the least accuracy by scoring RMSE of ± 11.18 m in the study area. The second accuracy assessment was done by the analysis of derived products such as slope and drainage networks. This also resulted in a better quality of DEM derived products for SRTM than ALOS DEM and ASTER GDEM.

scholarly journals Topography exerts primary control on the rate of Gulf of Alaska ice-marginal lake area change over the Landsat record

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah R. Field ◽  
William H. Armstrong ◽  
Matthias Huss
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Flood Hazard ◽  
Gulf Of Alaska ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Statistical Investigation ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Primary Control ◽  
Area Change ◽  
Proglacial Lakes

Abstract. Lakes in contact with glacier margins can impact glacier evolution as well as the downstream biophysical systems, flood hazard, and water resources. Recent work indicates that glacier wastage influences ice-marginal lake evolution, although precise physical controls are not well understood. Here, we quantify ice-marginal lake area change in understudied northwestern North America from 1984–2018 and investigate climatic, topographic, and glaciological influences on lake area change. We delineate timeseries of sampled lake (n = 107) perimeters and find that regional lake area has increased 58 % in aggregate, with individual proglacial lakes growing by 3.08 km2 and ice-dammed lakes shrinking by 0.88 km2 on average. A statistical investigation of climate reanalysis data suggests that changes in summer temperature and winter precipitation exert minimal direct influence on lake area change. Utilizing existing datasets of observed and modelled glacial characteristics, we find that large, wide glaciers with thick lake-adjacent ice are associated with the fastest rate of lake area change, particularly where they are undergoing rapid mass loss in recent times. We observe a dichotomy in which large, low-elevation coastal proglacial lakes have changed most in absolute terms, while small, interior lakes at high elevation changed most in relative terms. These systems have not experienced the most dramatic temperature or precipitation change, nor are they associated with the highest rates of glacier mass loss. Our work suggests that, while climatic and glaciological factors must play some role in determining lake area change, the influence of a lake's specific geometry and topographic setting overrides these external controls.

scholarly journals A new velocity map for Byrd Glacier, East Antarctica, from sequential ASTER satellite imagery

2005 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh Stearns ◽  
Gordon Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Cross Correlation ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Correlation Technique ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Ice Dynamics ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Stereo Imagery ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Cross Correlation Technique

AbstractNew ice-velocity measurements are obtained for the main trunk of Byrd Glacier, East Antarctica, using recently acquired Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery. The velocities are derived from the application of a cross-correlation technique to sequential images acquired in 2000 and 2001. Images were co-registered and ortho-rectified with the aid of a digital elevation model (DEM) generated from ASTER stereo imagery. This paper outlines the process of DEM generation, image co-registration and correction, and the application of the cross-correlation technique to obtain ice velocities. Comparison of the new velocity map with earlier measurements of velocity from 1978 indicates that the glacier has undergone a substantial deceleration between observations. Portions of the glacier flowing at speeds of ~850ma–1 in 1978/79 were flowing at ~650ma–1 in 2000/01. The cause of this change in ice dynamics is not known, but the observation shows that East Antarctic outlet glaciers can undergo substantial changes on relatively short timescales.

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