Monitoring changes in debris-cover extent on Miage glacier, Italian Alps, between 1975-2006 using optical and thermal satellite imagery

L. Foster, B. Brock, M. Cutler

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Identification of debris-cover extent and its change over time on glaciers is an important challenge within the framework of GLIMS (Global Land Ice Measurements from Space) project. Methods based on multispectral analyses are hampered due to the spectral characteristics of supraglacial debris, which are similar to surrounding non-glacial terrain. To resolve this, previous studies have applied manual approaches through on-screen digitising of debris-covered areas. Despite promising results, this method is labour intensive and time consuming, especially for a large number of glaciers. Consequently, semi-automatic methods have been developed. This study tests the applicability of both manual digitizing and a semi-automatic approach (Paul et al., 2004) to the debris-covered Miage glacier. Results are positive but show only a small increase in the areas of continuous debris cover between 1990-2004, implying the transition to extensive debris-cover on this glacier occurred prior to 1990.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSustaining the Millennium Development Goals
    Subtitle of host publicationproceedings, 33rd International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, ISRSE 2009
    Place of PublicationTucson
    PublisherInternational Center for Remote Sensing of Environment,
    Pages969-972
    Number of pages4
    Volume2
    ISBN (Print)9780932913135 , 093291313X
    Publication statusPublished - 2009
    Event33rd International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, ISRSE 2009; - Stresa, Italy
    Duration: 4 May 20098 May 2009

    Conference

    Conference33rd International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, ISRSE 2009;
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityStresa
    Period4/05/098/05/09

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