HR: 1330h
AN: C32A-0419    [PDF]
TI: Glaciological Field Measurements in West Antarctica in Support of ICESat Laser Altimetry
AU: * Hamilton, G S
EM: gordon.hamilton@maine.edu
AF: Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, 303 Bryand Global Sciences Center, Orono, ME 04469 United States
AU: Spikes, V B
AF: Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, 303 Bryand Global Sciences Center, Orono, ME 04469 United States
AU: Zwally, H J
AF: Code 971, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771 United States
AB: We have been conducting several ground-based glaciological activities on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to assist in the calibration/validation of ICESat laser altimeter data and to interpret elevation change results. In December 2002, just prior to the launch of ICESat, we conducted detailed geodetic mapping at two sites (100 km$^{2}$ and 25 km$^{2}$) to characterize the shape of the ice sheet surface. The ground measurements will be compared with 8-day repeat satellite data to assist in the evaluation of laser ranging accuracy. We have also deployed sensors to monitor short-term fluctuations in the rate of firn compaction and snow accumulation, so that surface processes causing transient elevation changes can be better understood.
DE: 1200 GEODESY AND GRAVITY
DE: 1640 Remote sensing
DE: 1827 Glaciology (1863)
DE: 1863 Snow and ice (1827)
DE: 9310 Antarctica
SC: Cryosphere [C]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting