High Resolution Surface Elevation Change (SEC)

High Resolution Surface Elevation Change (SEC)

As part of 5DAIS we will generate surface elevation change at high spatial resolution over the ice sheet and ice shelves using a combination of swath-processed and POCA products.

While existing products and algorithms will provide a strong baseline, bespoke analysis will be required in regions of poorer coverage and data quality. The coverage of CryoSat-2 data is highly dependent on topography, leading to poorer data coverage and quality in regions with more complex terrain and smaller glaciers (CryoTEMPO-EOLIS 2023, Jakob et al., 2021), such as for example the Antarctic Peninsula (Figure 1.1.2b).

Figure 1.1.2b: Ice thickness changes over the Airy-Rotz-Seller-Fleming glacier system, using CryoTEMPO EOLIS DEMs. Left: elevation change time series of the Airy–Rotz–Seller–Fleming glacier system located in the Antarctic Peninsula. Right: rate of surface elevation change between January 2011 and December 2022 with changes in ice front position for Wordie Bay (Cook et al. 2021). Decades after the break-up of the ice shelf, we still observe a much higher thinning rate over the Airy–Rotz–Seller–Fleming glacier system compared to surrounding glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula. CryoSat-2’s monthly repeat rate enables us to get a clear picture of changes in glaciers’ behaviour over time.

Summary of SEC datasets planned within 5DAIS:

• Up-to ice sheet-wide SEC using CryoSat-2 Swath and LRM processed data at spatial and temporal resolution dependent on coverage and specific requirements or scientific value, using CryoSat-2 processed data and laser altimetry data where CryoSat-2 data is sparse.
• Surface elevation at the ice shelf calving front. This will be used as the input data for automatic detections of calving front locations, (see sub-section on calving front location data below).
• Full uncertainty quantification. Coincidence between several datasets from e.g. CryoSat-2, ICESat-2, Sentinel-3, IceBridge, and high-resolution DEMs, will provide additional opportunities for product validation.