Passive microwave (SSM/I) satellite predictions of valley glacier hydrology, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska
Geophysical Research Letters
By: S.E. Kopczynski, J. Ramage, D. Lawson, S. Goetz, E. Evenson, J. Denner, and G. Larson
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Abstract
We advance an approach to use satellite passive microwave observations to track valley glacier snowmelt and predict timing of spring snowmelt-induced floods at the terminus. Using 37 V GHz brightness temperatures (Tb) from the Special Sensor Microwave hnager (SSM/I), we monitor snowmelt onset when both Tb and the difference between the ascending and descending overpasses exceed fixed thresholds established for Matanuska Glacier. Melt is confirmed by ground-measured air temperature and snow-wetness, while glacier hydrologic responses are monitored by a stream gauge, suspended-sediment sensors and terminus ice velocity measurements. Accumulation area snowmelt timing is correlated (R2 = 0.61) to timing of the annual snowmelt flood peak and can be predicted within ??5 days. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.
Suggested Citation
Kopczynski, S., Ramage, J., Lawson, D., Goetz, S., Evenson, E., Denner, J., Larson, G., 2008, Passive microwave (SSM/I) satellite predictions of valley glacier hydrology, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 35, no. 16, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL034615.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Passive microwave (SSM/I) satellite predictions of valley glacier hydrology, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska |
| Series title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| DOI | 10.1029/2008GL034615 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 16 |
| Publication Date | August 29, 2008 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Geophysical Research Letters |