Application of ICESat/GLAS laser altimetry to the Estimation of Surface Water Level and River Discharge
Abstract
Satellite altimetry has the ability to map and monitor variations in surface water height for large inland water bodies. A clear advantage is the provision of data where traditional gauges are lacking or where there is restricted access to ground-based measurements. A NASA funded program has been exploring the performance of the ICESat/GLAS lidar instrument over the largest lakes, river channels and wetlands. Validation exercises, mainly based on regions within the USA and Canada, reveal level variation accuracies similar to those seen when utilizing radar altimeters though there are clear limitations and advantages to both techniques. Here we discuss the performance of the GLAS altimeter under a variety of physical conditions. The validation results are also presented and the combined merits of utilizing both lidar and radar systems are explored. The future applications of laser altimetry relevant to research and operational-type programs are also highlighted.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AGUFM.C43F..02B
- Keywords:
-
- 1855 HYDROLOGY / Remote sensing;
- 1860 HYDROLOGY / Streamflow;
- 1884 HYDROLOGY / Water supply