Polar Ice Sheet and Glacier Studies – Indian Efforts in last Five Years

Abstract

Indian scientists have been involved in studies of cryosphere in Polar Regions from past 35 years. For continuous monitoring and expanding research in the fields of atmospheric science, geosciences, glaciology, environmental sciences, etc. specific to these regions, the ESSO - National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (ESSO-NCAOR) has established three permanent research stations in Antarctica. This paper addresses efforts by Indian scientists in last five years in cryospheric studies on the Antarctica using remote sensing data. Inventories of Antarctic glaciers and ice sheet features prepared by Indian researchers have facilitated for detailed long-term studies on glacier dynamics, sea ice, fluctuations of the continental ice margin and snouts of glaciers. For safe and optimal navigation of ships, a sea ice advisory has been also set up. This paper also addresses recent efforts of using high-resolution earth observation satellite data which were acquired for geospatial mapping of cryospheric features and glacial landforms and for delineation of wind induced snow deposition zones in part of the Antarctica. Spatiotemporal dynamics of surface melting over Antarctic was further studied by using moderate resolution satellite data.