Three-dimensional mapping by CryoSat-2 of subglacial lake volume changes
Abstract
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.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Research Letters
- Pub Date:
- August 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1002/grl.50689
- Bibcode:
- 2013GeoRL..40.4321M
- Keywords:
-
- CryoSat-2;
- radar altimetry;
- SARin;
- Antarctica;
- subglacial lake;
- ICESat