Use of Remote-Sensing Data in Modelling Run-Off from the Greenland Ice Sheet

Abstract

Run-off modelling is needed in Greenland to extend the short series of measurements. However, the delineation of hydrological basins on the Greenland ice sheet is difficult because of the lack of information about surface and subglacial drainage patterns. Low Sun-angle Landsat data have been used for mapping local surface features which has led to an improvement in basin delineations and thereby run-off simulations. Work is now in progress to map subglacial topography by electromagnetic reflection (EMR) from a helicopter. This information will be used for calculating hydraulic potentials within the basin and to assess the possibilities of future changes in drainage-basin delineation.