The Topography and Surface Characteristics of the Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctica, Using Satellite Altimetry

Abstract

AbstractA comprehensive survey of the Larsen Ice Shelf has been conducted using precise orbit and retracked Seasat radar-altimeter data with editing of erroneous values resulting from intrumental artefacts. Contour maps of elevation and radar back-scatter (with absolute accuracies of 1 m and 2 dB, respectively) have been produced and it has also been possible to map rifts, grounding points, rough terrain, and about 30% of the ice shelf’s seaward margin. Ice thicknesses derived from these elevation data show broad agreement with those derived from previous airborne radio-echo surveys. The maps of parameters measured by Seasat represent a very substantial improvement over those previously available. They thus provide a reference against which comparison may be made with a view to detecting substantial climatic changes. This is of particular interest since, as the most northerly major ice shelf in Antarctica, the Larsen Ice Shelf may be more sensitive than others to global climatic trends.