Mapping of glacial motion and surface topography of Hielo Patagónico Norte, Chile, using satellite SAR L-band interferometry data

Abstract

The first topographic and ice-motion maps of the northwestern flank of Hielo Patagónico Norte (HPN, northern Patagonia Icefield), in Chile, were produced using satellite synthetic-aperture interferometric radar data acquired by NASA’s Spaceborne Imaging Radar C instrument in October 1994. The topographic map has a 10 m vertical precision with a 30 m horizontal spacing, which should be sufficient to serve as a reference for monitoring future mass changes of the icefield. The ice-motion map is accurate to within 4 mm d −1 (or 1 m a −1 ). The radar-derived surface topography and ice velocity are used to estimate the ice discharge from the accumulation area of four outlet glaciers, and the calving flux and mass balance of Glaciar San Rafael. The results demonstrate the use of SAR interferometry for monitoring glaciological parameters on a spatial and temporal scale unattainable by any other means.