Passive microwave (SSM/I) satellite predictions of valley glacier hydrology, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska
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.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2008 |
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Title | Passive microwave (SSM/I) satellite predictions of valley glacier hydrology, Matanuska Glacier, Alaska |
DOI | 10.1029/2008GL034615 |
Authors | S.E. Kopczynski, J. Ramage, D. Lawson, S. Goetz, E. Evenson, J. Denner, G. Larson |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Geophysical Research Letters |
Index ID | 70033573 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |