Importance of slope-induced error correction in volume change estimates from radar altimetry

In deriving elevation change rates (dH/dt) from radar altimetry, the slope-induced error is usually assumed to cancel out in repeat measurements. These measurements, however, represent a location that can be significantly further upslope than assumed, causing an underestimate of the basin-integrated...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Cryosphere
Main Authors: Hurkmans, R. T. W. L., Bamber, J. L., Griggs, J. A.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2012
Subjects:
GREENLAND ICE-SHEET
CONTINENTAL ICE
ELEVATION CHANGES
LASER ALTIMETRY
ACCURACY
Greenland
Ice Sheet
Jakobshavn
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/1983/5b1d01dc-d12d-467d-958b-32091385710a
https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/5b1d01dc-d12d-467d-958b-32091385710a
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-6-447-2012
Description
Summary:In deriving elevation change rates (dH/dt) from radar altimetry, the slope-induced error is usually assumed to cancel out in repeat measurements. These measurements, however, represent a location that can be significantly further upslope than assumed, causing an underestimate of the basin-integrated volume change. In a case-study for the fast-flowing part of Jakobshavn Isbr', we show that a relatively straightforward correction for slope-induced error increases elevation change rates by up to several metres per year and significantly reduces the volume change error with respect to laser altimetry for the area of interest.

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