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Megadunes in Antarctica: migration and characterization from remote and in situ observations
- Source :
- The Cryosphere, Vol 17, Pp 427-444 (2023)
- Publication Year :
- 2023
- Publisher :
- Copernicus Publications, 2023.
-
Abstract
- Megadunes are peculiar features formed by the interaction between the atmosphere and cryosphere and are known to be present only on the East Antarctic Plateau and other planets (Mars and Pluto). In this study, we have analysed the glaciological dynamic of megadunes, their spectral properties and morphology on two sample areas of the East Antarctic Plateau where in the past international field activities were carried out (EAIIST, East Antarctic International Ice Sheet Traverse; It-ITASE, Italian International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition). Using satellite images spanning 7 years, we analysed the spatial and temporal variability in megadune surface characteristics, i.e. near-infrared (NIR) albedo, thermal brightness temperature (BT) and slope along the prevailing wind direction (SPWD), useful for mapping them. These parameters allowed us to characterize and perform an automated detection of the glazed surfaces, and we determined the influence of the SPWD by evaluating different combinations of these parameters. The inclusion of the SPWD significantly increased the accuracy of the method, doubling it in certain analysed scenes. Using remote and field observations, for the first time we surveyed all the components of upwind migration (absolute, sedimentological and ice flow), finding an absolute value of about 10 m a−1. The analysis shows that the migration is driven by the snow accumulation on the crest and trough prograding upwind on the previous windward flanks characterized by glazed surface. Our results present significant implications for the surface mass balance estimation, paleo-climate reconstruction using ice cores, and the measurements using optical and radar images/data in the megadune areas.
- Subjects :
- Environmental sciences
GE1-350
Geology
QE1-996.5
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19940416 and 19940424
- Volume :
- 17
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- The Cryosphere
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.82a60b03bb2f4e73ab3192ddacfb1194
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-427-2023