Satellite-based estimates of Antarctic surface meltwater fluxes

Authors

Luke D. Trusel, Clark University
Karen E. Frey, Clark UniversityFollow
Sarah B. Das, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Peter Kuipers Munneke, Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht
Michiel R. Van Den Broeke, Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This study generates novel satellite-derived estimates of Antarctic-wide annual (1999-2009) surface meltwater production using an empirical relationship between radar backscatter from the QuikSCAT (QSCAT) satellite and melt calculated from in situ energy balance observations. The resulting QSCAT-derived melt fluxes significantly agree with output from the regional climate model RACMO2.1 and with independent ground-based observations. The high-resolution (4.45 km) QSCAT-based melt fluxes uniquely detect interannually persistent and intense melt (>400 mm water equivalent (w.e.) year-1) on interior Larsen C Ice Shelf that is not simulated by RACMO2.1. This supports a growing understanding of the importance of a föhn effect in this region and quantifies the resulting locally enhanced melting that is spatially consistent with recently observed Larsen C thinning. These new results highlight important cryosphere-climate interactions and processes that are presently not fully captured by the coarser-resolution (27 km) regional climate model. Key Points Novel satellite-based estimates of Antarctic surface meltwater production Broad agreement among satellite, ground, and climate model melt results High melt on inner Larsen C Ice Shelf likely results from a föhn effect ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.

Publication Title

Geophysical Research Letters

Publication Date

2013

Volume

40

Issue

23

First Page

6148

Last Page

6153

ISSN

0094-8276

DOI

10.1002/2013GL058138

Keywords

Antarctica, ice shelves, remote sensing, surface melt

Repository Citation

Trusel, Luke D.; Frey, Karen E.; Das, Sarah B.; Munneke, Peter Kuipers; and Van Den Broeke, Michiel R., "Satellite-based estimates of Antarctic surface meltwater fluxes" (2013). Geography. 226.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_geography/226

Copyright Conditions

Published source must be acknowledged with citation: Trusel, Luke D., et al. "Satellite‐based estimates of Antarctic surface meltwater fluxes." Geophysical Research Letters 40.23 (2013): 6148-6153.