Cooperation in remote sensing of calving glaciers, Hornsund and Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

In 2015 and 2016, as part of the SSF projects nr. 246729 (Terrestrial radar interferometry for monitoring tidewater glaciers in Ny-Ålesund and Hornsund) and nr. 257646 (the CalvingSEIS experiment), partners from Norut, Centre for Polar Studies of the University of Silesia, Polish Academy of Science, Norwegian Polar Institute and The Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo have worked together to evaluate the use of remote sensing techniques for studying calving processes at the front of two tidewater glaciers on Svalbard, Hansbreen and Kronebreen. Each glacier was monitored for one-two weeks in both 2015 and 2016 (August-September period) using high temporal resolution and precision data from ground-based radar (Gamma Portable Radar Interferometer, GPRI), Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). These datasets provide intricate insight into ice dynamic processes at glacier fronts, which can be valuably used in combination with for satellite observations. The objectives of the project are to ensure further exploitation and dissemination of extensive optical and radar remote sensing datasets documenting the glacier fronts, as well as to envisage future opportunities of collaboration between the project's partners. Two workshops bringing together researchers from complementary fields will be organized in autumn 2019 and spring 2020. The project is designed for 1 year and a half between February 2019 and June 2020 and is organized in 3 work packages (WP1 Coordination and data management, WP2 Cooperation workshops and WP3 Dissemination and sustainability).