Cryospheric Studies in Indian Himalayan and Polar Region: Current Status, Advances and Future Prospects of Remote Sensing

Abstract

Cryosphere studies are very critical for understanding the behaviour of the global climate system. The cryosphere components such snow cover, glacier ice, ice sheets, icebergs, etc. need to be studied, from Earth’s energy and water balance point of view. However, their quantification and mapping is tedious on field using tradition survey methods. This review paper summarizes the major research work done in field of remote sensing based cryosphere studies in Indian Himalaya and Polar Regions. The traditional survey methods using terrestrial photogrammetry and aerial photography for snow and glacier studies are presented, initially. Then, remote sensing methods of snow and glacier mapping using visible, infrared and thermal spectral bands are presented. Later, the application of these techniques and method in Indian conditions is discussed. The advanced methods of microwave sensors based inversion models for snow physical properties retrieval are also explained. The separate sub-sections are given to highlight the use of remote sensing in glacier and polar studies. In each section, the current status and advances of the technology are discussed. The future prospects of remote sensing technology for each cryosphere theme are highlighted with emphasis to Indian scenario.