Glaciology Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting an inventory of glaciers?

  • To measure the thickness of icebergs
  • To assess the biodiversity in glacier areas
  • To map the locations of various types of flora
  • To indicate climate variability and estimate freshwater storage (correct)

What method has been illustrated as effective for measuring variations of surging glaciers?

  • Ground-based GPS tracking
  • Space-borne satellite imagery (correct)
  • Aerial photography using drones
  • Manual glacier mapping by climbers

What challenge does topographic shadow present in the digital classification of glacier data?

  • Increased cloud cover reduces visibility
  • It complicates manual mapping processes only
  • It limits automated methods of glacier mapping (correct)
  • It affects the spectral properties of the glaciers

How can Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) enhance glacier mapping efforts?

<p>By compensating for solar elevation and mapping shaded areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic identified from satellite imagery in glacier mapping?

<p>Iceberg (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advancement has contributed to increased efficiency in glacier mapping?

<p>Automatic mapping methods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which classification method is commonly used for mapping glacier zones?

<p>Maximum likelihood classification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT affect the identifiability of glaciological features from SAR backscatter?

<p>Intensity of sunlight (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does TSL serve as an indicator of in glacier studies?

<p>Amount of snowmelt runoff (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the end-of-summer snowlines be effectively mapped?

<p>Low-altitude, oblique aerial photographs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) typically characterized by?

<p>Snow accumulation equaling depletion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to differentiate between accumulation and ablation zones in glaciers?

<p>Differential spectral responses of glacial areas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required to determine the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA)?

<p>Discrimination of ablation and accumulation zones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which imagery allows for identifying the representation of the ice margin of the Greenland ice sheet?

<p>Landsat MSS imagery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can glacier margins and their temporal changes be delineated?

<p>Using sequential aerial photographs when motion exceeds pixel size (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques was used to estimate ELA for modern glaciers in central Nepal?

<p>Mapping modern glacier terminus positions from satellite imagery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function designed for the MISR satellite?

<p>Monitoring ice sheets on a continental scale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does the Advanced SAR (ASAR) on the Envisat satellite provide?

<p>High spatial resolution of 30 m (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does Radarsat currently have in radar interferometry?

<p>Variable spatial resolutions and incidence angles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome of the continuous collection of remotely sensed data for glaciers?

<p>Enhanced understanding of climate impacts on glaciers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do aerial photographs particularly excel in compared to satellite imagery?

<p>Highly accurate mapping of small alpine glaciers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does satellite data provide concerning glaciers?

<p>Facilitates the establishment of a global glacier database (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which satellite is designed to enhance the continuity of data measurements of the ESA ERS satellites?

<p>Envisat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do medium spatial resolution satellite images limit their applications?

<p>They restrict mapping and monitoring of glacial features at a broad scale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of glacier research has not been thoroughly explored according to the content?

<p>The variations in the spatial extent of glaciers from multi-temporal images (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Allen (1998), which variables are factored to predict glacier morphology?

<p>Glacier shape, elevation range, and upslope area (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential does the integration of remote sensing, GIS, and GPS hold for glaciology?

<p>Enabling more dynamic and predictive analyses in glaciology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been exploited to a highly limited degree in glaciology?

<p>The integration of GIS and GPS for glacier studies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is anticipated with increasing integration of remote sensing and GIS in glaciology?

<p>More analytical and global insights into glacier dynamics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the current state of remote sensing of glaciers?

<p>Predominantly descriptive with limited modeling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about future glacier monitoring?

<p>It will become increasingly dynamic and exploratory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The integration of which technologies is expected to enhance the study of glaciers?

<p>Remote sensing, GIS, and GPS (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Duguay's 1993 study?

<p>Modelling the radiation budget of alpine snowfields (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which publication discussed the comparison of glacier ice velocities inferred from GPS and satellite images?

<p>Annals of Glaciology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which glaciers were included in Driedger's 1986 study on ice volumes?

<p>Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Three Sisters, and Mount Shasta (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method was used by Østrem in 1975 for monitoring glacier mass balance?

<p>Satellite imagery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary focus of the study by Ormsby and Hall in 1991?

<p>Remote sensing of fog over a glacier (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technological method did Gandolfi and colleagues use in their 1997 study?

<p>Kinematic global positioning system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technological method was employed by Shi and Dozier in 1993 for measuring snow-covered areas?

<p>Single-polarization SAR (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the subject matter of Frezzotti's 1993 research?

<p>Glaciological study in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which publication discusses the fast recession of the Larsen Ice Shelf?

<p>Annals of Glaciology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which study specifically combined DEM parameters with Landsat imagery for mountain glacier characterization?

<p>Gratton et al., 1990 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which glaciers were the subjects of aerial laser altimetry in Garvin and Williams's 1993 study?

<p>Jakobshavns Isbrae and Skeidararjokull (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of data did Manby use for analyzing Arctic ice-snow fields?

<p>SPOT multispectral data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the study on snow reflectance from Thematic Mapper presented?

<p>1985 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Shi et al. study snow mapping in Alpine regions?

<p>1994 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which study focused on the impacts of seasonal climatic changes on alpine glaciers?

<p>Smith et al., 1997 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding of Piwowar and LeDrew's 1995 analysis?

<p>Analysis of climate change using satellite data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Glacier Inventory

A process of cataloging glaciers, used to track climate variability and freshwater storage.

Satellite Imagery

Images of Earth taken from satellites, useful for observing glaciers, especially for identification of icepack.

SAR Images

Synthetic Aperture Radar images, helpful for mapping snow cover on glaciers, despite seasonality.

Digital Image Analysis

Techniques used to process satellite images, to identify and map glacier extent.

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Topographic Shadow

Areas hidden from direct sunlight due to terrain features, problematic for glacier mapping.

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DEM (Digital Elevation Model)

A digital representation of the elevation of the Earth's surface.

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Glacier Mapping

The process of determining the boundaries and extent of glaciers.

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Maximum Likelihood Classification

A technique used in image analysis to distinguish different categories (e.g., ice, rock) from spectral properties.

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Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA)

The elevation on a glacier where snow accumulation equals snowmelt in a given year.

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Terminal Snow Line (TSL)

The line marking the altitude of the farthest advance of snow at the end of summer.

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Glacier Ice/Firn Discoloration

Glacier ice or firn, distinguished from previous winter snow, due to dust particles.

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Remote Sensing for Glacier Study

Techniques using imagery (like aerial photos, satellite data) to map glaciers, identify zones, and track changes.

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Ablation Zone

The part of the glacier where there's more melting than accumulation of snow, usually below ELA.

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Accumulation Zone

The part of the glacier where more snow accumulates than melts, typically above ELA.

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Landsat MSS/TM imagery

Types of satellite imagery used to map glaciers, vegetation, and changes over time.

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Glacier Terminus Position

The extent of glacier's lower end at a given time. Studying changes helps assess glacier health.

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Glacier Morphology Prediction

Predicting the shape of glaciers based on factors like elevation, size, and surrounding area.

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Remote Sensing of Glaciers

Using sensors to gather data about glaciers from a distance.

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GIS and GPS in Glaciology

Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to study glaciers.

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Multi-temporal Images

Images of the same location taken at different times, used to study changes.

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Environmental Variables

Factors like climate and weather that affect glacier behavior.

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Topographic Variables

Features of terrain like elevation and slope that affect glaciers.

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Glacier Spatial Extent

The size and area covered by a glacier.

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Glacier Monitoring

Tracking changes and characteristics of glaciers over time.

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MISR's Limitation in Glaciology

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) satellite, while good for studying clouds, is not useful for detailed glacier study due to its low image resolution.

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Envisat Satellite Launch

The European Space Agency's Envisat satellite launched in 2001 to observe Earth's land and ice, continuing data from previous satellites

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ASAR High Spatial Resolution

The Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) on Envisat captures images with high resolution (30 meters), useful for detailed glacier studies.

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Radarsat's Variable Resolution

Radarsat satellite has varying image resolutions and incidence angles, limiting its usefulness for glacier interferometry (measurements based on comparing two images).

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Radarsat 2 Improvement

The improved spatial resolution of Radarsat 2 (planned for 2001) will allow for better interferometric capabilities compared to Radarsat 1.

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Remote Sensing Data Continuity

Consistent collection of remote sensing data ensures availability of similar data over long timeframes, crucial for studying glacier evolution.

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Global Glacier Database

Satellite data enables the creation of a worldwide database for glaciers, vital for global scale monitoring and modelling of glaciers of all sizes.

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Airborne vs. Satellite Imagery for Glaciers

Airborne photos provide highly detailed glacier mapping, excellent for small alpine glaciers, whereas medium resolution satellite imagery works best for broad-scale analysis of glaciers.

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Snow Reflectance from Landsat Imagery

Using satellite imagery (Landsat) to measure how much snow reflects light, assessing changes in snowpack.

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Glacier Ice Velocity from Remote Sensing

Measuring glacier movement using sequential satellite images to track ice motion.

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Comparing Glacier Velocities

Study comparing glacier movement measured by GPS (Ground Positioning System) with that observed and determined via satellite imagery.

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Glacier Monitoring with GPS & Satellites

Using GPS and satellite systems for analyzing smaller glacier movements.

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Computer Analysis of Glacier Dynamics

Employing computational methods to understand glacier flow fluctuations.

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Airborne Laser Altimetry of Glaciers

Using airborne lasers to measure glacier elevation to monitor changes via ice thickness.

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Combining DEM with Satellite Imagery

Using elevation data (DEM) and satellite images for characterizing mountain glaciers and identifying key characteristics.

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Landsat MSS/TM Imagery in Glacier Study

Landsat, with Multi-spectral Scanner (MSS) and Thematic Mapper (TM) sensors, used for analysing glaciers, identifying changes, and determining vegetation patterns.

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Landsat Digital Examination

Using Landsat imagery to analyze Khumbu glacier, Nepal, for understanding glacier properties.

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Spectral Properties of Fog

Comparing spectral properties of fog to snow, ice, and clouds over the Malaspina Glacier, Alaska.

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Single-Polarization SAR

Technique using single-polarization SAR for measuring snow and glacier areas.

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Glacier Mass Balance Monitoring

Using satellite imagery to track changes in glacier mass balance.

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SPOT Multispectral Data

Utilizing SPOT multispectral data with a digital terrain model to analyze ice-snow fields on Arctic glaciers.

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Hypertemporal Analysis

Analyzing sea-ice data over extended time periods for climate change studies using remote sensing.

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Seasonal Climatic Forcing

Studying the effect of seasonal climate changes on alpine glaciers using orbital SAR.

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Snow Mapping in Alpine Regions

Mapping snow cover in alpine regions using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

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Study Notes

Applications of Remote Sensing, GIS, and GPS in Glaciology: A Review

  • Remote sensing is an efficient method for gathering glacier data, particularly useful for remote, inaccessible regions.
  • GIS and GPS tools enhance the analysis and monitoring of glacier temporal dynamics.
  • Many researchers utilize remote sensing, GIS, and GPS for glacier studies.
  • Glacier features visible from aerial photos and satellite imagery include extent, snowlines, accumulation/ablation zones, and ice/snow differentiation.
  • Digital image processing improves ease and accuracy in mapping these parameters.
  • Radar imagery and GPS extend traditional visible/infrared remote sensing to 3D volume estimation and dynamic monitoring.
  • GIS enables detection of longitudinal glacial extent variations over time.
  • GPS independently determines glacier ice velocity and surface information.
  • Integration of non-conventional remote sensors (like SAR interferometry) with GIS and GPS has yet to be fully applied to predict global glacier behavior over longer periods.
  • Spectral properties of glacier ice are crucial for differentiation from other surfaces through reflectance or albedo.
  • Factors affecting remote sensing of glaciers include spectral, spatial, and temporal resolutions.
  • Remote sensing is feasible due to discernible spectral properties of glaciers.
  • Atmospheric correction is essential for accurate remote sensing measurements.
  • Optical remote sensing includes aerial photography, using VNIR cameras, and satellite imagery (Landsat, SPOT, AVIRIS).
  • Microwave remote sensing, including imaging radar (SIR, ERS, Radarsat, SAR) allows data capture through cloud cover.
  • Air-borne scanning imagery, like AVIRIS, provides hyperspectral data for detailed spectral analysis.
  • Space-borne satellites provide repetitive data for long-term glacier monitoring.
  • Glacier features identifiable through remote sensing include frontal termini, snowlines, accumulation/ablation zones.
  • Remote sensing enables glacier inventory and mapping, spatial variations, and velocity estimation.
  • Glacier motion can be determined by feature tracking, radar interferometry, and multi-temporal imagery co-registration.

Utility of Remote Sensing Materials

  • Remote sensing materials useful for glaciology fall into optical and microwave categories.
  • Optical materials include aerial photography and satellite imagery.
  • Microwave materials include imaging radar like SIR, ERS, Radarsat, and SAR.
  • Spectral resolution and spatial resolution characteristics of imagery/sensors are important.

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Applications of Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS in Glaciology: A Review PDF

Description

Explore the critical role of remote sensing, GIS, and GPS in glaciology through this review quiz. Learn how these technologies contribute to the analysis and monitoring of glaciers, revealing vital data on ice dynamics and temporal changes. Test your knowledge on the methods used by researchers in the study of glaciers and their features.

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