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Ice-surface elevation profiles of more than 30 000 km in total length are derived from kinematic GNSS (GPS and the Russian GLONASS) observations on sledge convoy vehicles along traverses between Vostok Station and the East Antarctic coast. These profiles have accuracies between 4 and 9 cm. They are used to validate elevation data sets from both radar and laser satellite altimetry as well as four digital elevation models. A crossover analysis with three different processing versions of Envisat radar altimetry elevation profiles yields a clear preference for the relocation method over the direct method of slope correction and for threshold retrackers over functional fit algorithms. The validation of CryoSat-2 low-resolution mode and SARIn mode data sets documents the progress made from baseline B to C elevation products. ICESat laser altimetry data are demonstrated to be accurate to a few decimetres over a wide range of surface slopes. A crossover adjustment in the region of subglacial Lake Vostok combining ICESat elevation data with our GNSS profiles yields a new set of ICESat laser campaign biases and provides new, independent evidence for the stability of the ice-surface elevation above the lake. The evaluation of the digital elevation models reveals the benefits of combining laser and radar altimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the studies carried out on Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake found in Antarctica by the Russian Vostok Station. The studies were done using remote geophysical approaches, like reflection seismic sounding and radio-echo sounding (RES). It states that throughout the primary studies, unique methodological methods were developed which allowed the researchers to find high quality seismic records. It mentions that exclusive seismic methods were carried out which proves that the subglaical surroundings is just a water body. The next phases of the research were thorough radar and seismic studies intended for mapping the lake sides and bottom. The studies concluded that Lake Vostok's water body is completely situated in the trench and its surface is at below sea level.