Satellite‐derived, melt‐season surface temperature of the Greenland Ice Sheet (2000–2005) and its relationship to mass balance

Abstract

Mean, clear‐sky surface temperature of the Greenland Ice Sheet was measured for each melt season from 2000 to 2005 using Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)–derived land‐surface temperature (LST) data‐product maps. During the period of most‐active melt, the mean, clear‐sky surface temperature of the ice sheet was highest in 2002 (−8.29 ± 5.29°C) and 2005 (−8.29 ± 5.43°C), compared to a 6‐year mean of −9.04 ± 5.59°C, in agreement with recent work by other investigators showing unusually extensive melt in 2002 and 2005. Surface‐temperature variability shows a correspondence with the dry‐snow facies of the ice sheet; a reduction in area of the dry‐snow facies would indicate a more‐negative mass balance. Surface‐temperature variability generally increased during the study period and is most pronounced in the 2005 melt season; this is consistent with surface instability caused by air‐temperature fluctuations.