Mass changes of outlet glaciers along the Nordensjköld Coast, northern Antarctic Peninsula, based on TanDEM-X satellite measurements

Kurzfassung

We analyzed volume change and mass balance of outlet glaciers of the northern Antarctic Peninsula over the period 2011 to 2013, using topographic data of high vertical accuracy and great spatial detail, acquired by bistatic radar interferometry of the TanDEM-X/TerraSAR-X satellite formation. The study area includes glaciers draining into the Larsen-A, Larsen Inlet, and Prince-Gustav-Channel embayments. After collapse of buttressing ice shelves in 1995 the glaciers became tidewater calving glaciers and accelerated, resulting in increased ice export. Downwasting of most glaciers is going on, but at reduced rates compared to previous years in accordance with deceleration of ice flow. The rate of mass depletion is 4.2 ± 0.4 Gt a−1, with the largest contribution by Drygalski Glacier amounting to 2.2 ± 0.2 Gt a−1. On the technological side, the investigations demonstrate the capability of satellite-borne single-pass radar interferometry as a new tool for accurate and detailed monitoring of glacier volume change.