Satellite-based estimates of Antarctic surface meltwater fluxes

• Published in: Geophysical Research Letters
• Main Authors: Trusel, Luke D., Frey, Karen E., Das, Sarah B., Munneke, Peter Kuipers, Van Den Broeke, Michiel R.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Clark Digital Commons 2013
• Subjects: Antarctica; ice shelves; remote sensing; surface melt; Oceanography; Antarctic; Antarc*; Ice Shelf; Ice Shelves
• Online Access: https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_geography/226; https://doi.org/10.1002/2013GL058138; https://commons.clarku.edu/context/faculty_geography/article/1225/viewcontent/GeogFacWorks_Frey_Satellite_2013.pdf

This study generates novel satellite-derived estimates of Antarctic-wide annual (1999-2009) surface meltwater production using an empirical relationship between radar backscatter from the QuikSCAT (QSCAT) satellite and melt calculated from in situ energy balance observations. The resulting QSCAT-derived melt fluxes significantly agree with output from the regional climate model RACMO2.1 and with independent ground-based observations. The high-resolution (4.45 km) QSCAT-based melt fluxes uniquely detect interannually persistent and intense melt (>400 mm water equivalent (w.e.) year-1) on interior Larsen C Ice Shelf that is not simulated by RACMO2.1. This supports a growing understanding of the importance of a föhn effect in this region and quantifies the resulting locally enhanced melting that is spatially consistent with recently observed Larsen C thinning. These new results highlight important cryosphere-climate interactions and processes that are presently not fully captured by the coarser-resolution (27 km) regional climate model. Key Points Novel satellite-based estimates of Antarctic surface meltwater production Broad agreement among satellite, ground, and climate model melt results High melt on inner Larsen C Ice Shelf likely results from a föhn effect ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.