| Title | Radar satellites measure ice cover displacements induced by moving vehicles |
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| Author | van der Sanden, J J ; Short, N H |
| Source | Cold Regions Science and Technology vol. 133, 2016 p. 56-62, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2016.10.001 |
| Links | Supplementary Data - Données supplémentaires
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| Year | 2016 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20150448 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf; kmz |
| Subjects | environmental geology; engineering geology; Nature and Environment; remote sensing; satellite imagery; radar imagery; sea ice; ice movement; transportation; environmental impacts; bathymetry; surface
waters; lakes; ice roads; Data processing |
| Illustrations | schematic diagrams; graphs; satellite images; photographs; histograms; 3-D images |
| Program | Climate Change Geoscience Land-based Infrastructure |
| Program | Polar Continental Shelf Program
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| Released | 2017 01 01 |
| Abstract | Vehicles moving on floating ice modulate its surface depending on ice, bathymetric, and traffic variables. Under certain conditions, they may cause ice cover breakthroughs that jeopardize productivity,
property, and life. The initiation of ice cover failure by traffic is commonly referred to as the moving vehicle problem. Scientific progress towards mitigating this problem has been limited. Subject-matter experts have argued that this is due, in
part, to the absence of convenient and accurate means to measure ice cover modulations. Here we demonstrate a previously unknown capacity of radar earth observation satellites to measure the modulation of ice cover by moving vehicles with an
unparalleled breadth of view, superior spatial detail and millimeter-scale vertical accuracy. This capacity derives from satellite radar technology that is experimental at present and differential interferometric radar data processing techniques. Ice
modulations measured by means of conventional devices are typically described as 'deflections'; we purposely refer to the radar satellite measurements as 'displacements' to signify a difference in the measurement method and result. Our findings
indicate opportunities for ice road and radar earth observation stakeholders, may spark renewed interest in and progress towards mitigating the moving vehicle problem, and thus help improve the efficiency and safety of ice road transportation.
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| Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published)
Ice cover is integral to cold regions and can facilitate essential land transport to sites that do not connect to permanent roads. Vehicles moving on
floating ice modulate its surface in a fashion that depends on ice, bathymetric, and traffic variables. Under certain conditions, the induced modulations may lead to breakthroughs that jeopardize productivity, property, and life. Scientific progress
towards mitigating this problem has been limited. Subject-matter experts have argued that this is due, in part, to the absence of convenient and accurate means to measure ice modulations. Here we demonstrate a previously unknown capacity of radar
earth observation satellites to measure vehicle induced ice cover modulations with an unparalleled breadth of view, superior spatial detail and millimeter-scale vertical accuracy. This capacity hinges on experimental satellite radar technology and
interferometric radar data processing techniques. Our findings are expected to appeal to radar remote sensing and ice road stakeholders. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 297708 |
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