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ICESat measurements reveal complex pattern of elevation changes on Siple Coast ice streams, Antarctica
Author(s) -
Csatho B.,
Ahn Y.,
Yoon T.,
van der Veen C. J.,
Vogel S.,
Hamilton G.,
Morse D.,
Smith B.,
Spikes V. B.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2005gl024289
Subject(s) - geology , ice sheet , elevation (ballistics) , streams , ice stream , glaciology , antarctic ice sheet , glacier , physical geography , climatology , sea ice , oceanography , cryosphere , geomorphology , geography , hydrogeology , computer network , geometry , mathematics , geotechnical engineering , metamorphic petrology , computer science
We compare ICESat data (2003–2004) to airborne laser altimetry data (1997–98 and 1999–2000) to monitor surface changes over portions of Van der Veen (VdVIS), Whillans (WIS) and Kamb ice streams (KIS) in the Ross Embayment of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The spatial pattern of detected surface changes is generally consistent with earlier observations. However, important changes have occurred during the past decade. For example, areas on the VdVIS and WIS, where large thinning was detected by the airborne surveys, are now closer to being in balance. The upper trunk of KIS continues to build up with thickening rates reaching 0.4 m/year. Our results provide new evidence that the overall mass balance of the region is becoming more positive, but a significant spatial variability exists. They also demonstrate the potential of ICESat data for detecting spatial patterns of surface elevation change in Antarctica.