Super-resolution for mapping the debris-covered glaciers, central Himalaya, India

Abstract

New techniques are being implemented to precisely monitor the changes in debris-covered glaciers for ascertaining their response to climate change. The super-resolution mapping (SRM) technique is implemented here to provide the low-cost and fine-resolution facies maps of debris-covered glaciers in the Indian Himalayan region using coarse-resolution satellite data. The implemented SRM algorithm is capable of preserving the spatial pattern of facies on the debris-covered glacier surface. Scale factor (sf) and surface heterogeneity are two possible determinants of SRM accuracy. Larger sfs decrease the SRM accuracy and its computing efficiency, and hence optimal sfs must be selected. Higher SRM accuracies are obtained for less heterogenic glacier surfaces and vice-versa. Uncertainty in the resultant maps arises due to the underlying natural factors (shadow/clouds) and seasonal differences in the image acquisition. Temporal implementation of SRM is feasible to assess the facies variations on a debris-covered glacier surface, facilitating time- and cost-effective monitoring of its response to climate change over large areas.