Observing the polar regions from space

Abstract

The use of active and passive microwave sensors to provide information on the ice cover in the earth's polar regions is described, along with the ice characteristics that can be measured by such techniques. The continental ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica represent vast reservoirs of fresh water that can significantly impact sea level if the ice sheets are changing in size. Satellite remote sensing gives information on: sea ice extent and physical characteristics; detailed images of ice flows and open-water leads within the ice pack; sea-ice movement; zones of summer melting and snow-accumulation rates on the continental ice sheets; accurate estimates of ice-surface elevation and detection of zones on the ice sheet that are either thickening or thinning; accurate, all-weather mapping of ice coastlines and large crevasses, and estimates of ice discharge rates from the ice sheets.