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Mapping supraglacial ponds using SAR data during the monsoon
Supraglacial ponds are an important and dynamic constituent of debris-covered glaciers’ hydrology in High Mountain Asia, but their observation is limited due to cloud cover during the monsoon. The goal of this thesis is to overcome this limitation using Sentinel SAR imagery.
Supraglacial ponds have been identified as an important component of the hydrological cycle of Himalayan debris-covered glaciers (Miles et al, 2016, 2017; Benn et al, 2017; Irvine-Fynn et al, 2017) and as key contributors to mass loss in the ablation area of these glaciers (Sakai et al, 2000; Salerno et al, 2017; Miles et al, 2018). However, observation of these features during the ablation season has been precluded by the South Asian Monsoon, which brings consistent cloud cover and heavy rainfall, preventing access to field sites and inhibiting optical satellite observations.
Supraglacial ponds have been identified as an important component of the hydrological cycle of Himalayan debris-covered glaciers (Miles et al, 2016, 2017; Benn et al, 2017; Irvine-Fynn et al, 2017) and as key contributors to mass loss in the ablation area of these glaciers (Sakai et al, 2000; Salerno et al, 2017; Miles et al, 2018). However, observation of these features during the ablation season has been precluded by the South Asian Monsoon, which brings consistent cloud cover and heavy rainfall, preventing access to field sites and inhibiting optical satellite observations.
Satellite-based Synthetic Aperature Radar observations, now readily available at moderate resolution thanks to the ESA Sentinel program, are insensitive to cloud cover and offer the possibility for routine observation of supraglacial hydrology and novel insights into processes. This project aims to develop and validate a method for identifying supraglacial ponds from publicly-available SAR imagery.
Satellite-based Synthetic Aperature Radar observations, now readily available at moderate resolution thanks to the ESA Sentinel program, are insensitive to cloud cover and offer the possibility for routine observation of supraglacial hydrology and novel insights into processes. This project aims to develop and validate a method for identifying supraglacial ponds from publicly-available SAR imagery.
For further information please contact Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti (francesca.pellicciotti@wsl.ch) or Dr. Evan Miles (evan.miles@wsl.ch).
For further information please contact Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti (francesca.pellicciotti@wsl.ch) or Dr. Evan Miles (evan.miles@wsl.ch).