Geography
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
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
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.