West Dynamics Research Articles

Ice-Shelf Topography and Structure Determined Using Satellite-Radar Altimetry and Landsat Imagery

The glaciological structure and dynamics of West and Shackleton Ice Shelves, East Antarctica, are qualitatively determined using a combination of satellite remote-sensing techniques. Sketch maps traced from unenhanced imagery show the ice edge, grounding lines, flow lines, and rifts. Surface-elevation profiles and contour maps from radar altimetry provide free-board elevations of the floating ice and show flow-line undulations and rumples characteristic of grounded ice. West and Shackleton Ice Shelves consist of a combination of fast-moving ice tongues from outlet glaciers and slow-moving parts constrained by islands, ice rises, and ice rumples.

Ice-Shelf Topography and Structure Determined Using Satellite-Radar Altimetry and Landsat Imagery

The glaciological structure and dynamics of West and Shackleton Ice Shelves, East Antarctica, are qualitatively determined using a combination of satellite remote-sensing techniques. Sketch maps traced from unenhanced imagery show the ice edge, grounding lines, flow lines, and rifts. Surface-elevation profiles and contour maps from radar altimetry provide free-board elevations of the floating ice and show flow-line undulations and rumples characteristic of grounded ice. West and Shackleton Ice Shelves consist of a combination of fast-moving ice tongues from outlet glaciers and slow-moving parts constrained by islands, ice rises, and ice rumples.