Greenland Surface Velocities and Flow Features From High Resolution Visible Statellite Imagery

Ohio State University Research Foundation -Do Not Use, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract VanderVeen OPP-9911981 The Principal Investigator will obtain surface velocities of outlet glaciers in eastern Greenland by using high-resolution (34 m pixel size) declassified intelligence satellite photographs (DISP) from 1963 to 1968. The velocities and visible surface features will provide an early baseline for detection of ice-sheet changes. For selected glaciers, the results will be used to describe the pattern of flow and to determine the dominat stress using the force-budget method where the data permit. The DISP images are only available on film, with each film covering a nominal area of 10.6 X 144.8 nautical miles. They will acquire nearly 600 films and assess their quality and glaciological interest, scan and digtize selected films. Those images that are suitable such as those with few clouds and high radiometric resolution will be used for automated frature tracking to obtain velocities. All films will be archived with a short description of each. Velocities obtained from the DISP will be compared with those derived from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferomery. If there are large differences, the Principal Investigator will work with SAR scientists to identify the discrepancies.