Ice thickness measurements and volume estimates for Znosko glacier
(Antarctica) using Glabtop model
Abstract
Around the world there is a consensus of the importance of knowladge the
ice thickness distribution and total ice volume for estimating future
glacier change for both glaciological and hydrological application,
especially the Polar Regions for being important regulators of the
global climate system and response rapidly to climate change. This work
aimed to estimate the ice thickness distribution and total ice volume of
Znosko glacier (King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula) using Glacier
Bed Topography (Glabtop) model and ground data. Ground penetrating radar
(GPR) measurements were collected in two field campaigns. GPR
measurements were used to validate, calibrate (shape factor) and improve
the accuracy of the ice thickness distribution model. The ice thickness
(GPR) distribution is not uniform over the glacier, which varies from 0
to 155 m. The total stored ice volumen of Znosko glacier in 2020 is
estimated to be 0.11 km3. Additionally, the model bounded areas in the
bedrock topography below sea level, as a sign of future lake formation.
Sensitivity analysis reveal that Glabtop model with a shape factor
(f) = 0.5 gave best results when compared with ground penetrating radar
(GPR) data measured on Znosko glacier and has an uncertainty range of
± 20.5%.