IN023-0004
Companion satellites measuring within day surface kinematics in the cryosphere

Friday, 11 December 2020
Poster
Bas Altena, Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Andreas Kaab, University of Oslo, Geosciences, Oslo, Norway, Lorenz Meire, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Yerseke, Netherlands, Joseph Mascaro, Planet, San Francisco, United States and Bert Wouters, Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht/Delft University of Technology, Utrecht, Netherlands
Abstract:
The multitude of satellite systems in sun-synchronous orbit amplify the opportunity to extract surface kinematics of surface flow in icy waters. In this contribution we highlight the extraordinary detail achievable for both river flow in ice-covered areas and fjord circulation. Data comes from commercial and governmental sources, at both high (Planet), medium (Sentinel-2, Landsat) and coarse (PROBA-V) resolution.

Firstly, movement of free flowing ice floes on rivers during autumn gives an estimate of discharge for (ungauged) Arctic rivers. While at springtime the dynamics of mechanical river ice break-up can be monitored and assessed.

Furthermore, the satellite companionship also allows to monitoring fjord circulation in areas with glacial ice. Fjords with marine terminating glaciers, where ocean water interacts with the ice front, are especially vulnerable for accelerated retreat due to both melting form both atmospheric and ocean heat sources. Tracking circulation in these often in-accessible regions, allow us to study the interaction between the calving ice front and the fjord better.

These examples show the added value of companion satellite systems, and the opportunity of commercial satellite companies to enhance their product portfolio. Hence there are not only calibration benefits, when a cubesat is in close orbit to another satellite system. The demonstrated examples are opportunistic in nature but systematic configurations are planned, such as Sentinel-3 and ESA's Earth Explorer 8 (FLEX) and ESA's candidate Earth Explorer 10 mission (Harmony).

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