The studies of the Svalbard glacial surfaces albedo by an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract

Abstract Experiments related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for assessing the albedo of Svalbard glaciers is described. Study area - Esmark Glacier (Isfjord Bay) and Aldegonda Glacier (Greenfjord Bay). The main purpose of the experiments is to estimate the surface albedo in the zone of the edge cracks of the outlet glacier (Esmark), where standard ground-based observations are impossible due to safety conditions, as well as to obtain spatial albedo estimates (Aldegonda) when satellite data cannot be used (overcast). The UAV (DJI Phantom 4 Pro) was retrofitted with a sensor that measures reflected solar radiation. The data on the incoming solar radiation at the surface level, measured by a similar sensor, were used to calculate the albedo. The albedo measurements were carried out along several profiles across the Aldegonda Glacier and along one profile above the Esmark Glacier, which was laid from a flat plateau (ice dome) through a zone of cracks to the open water surface of the fiord. For the first time, estimates of the surface albedo of the outlet glacier in the zone of edge cracks were obtained. Ground-based verification observations carried out on the Aldegonda glacier confirmed the results obtained by the UAV.