Characterization of Himalayan Glaciers Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Data

Abstract

In the last ten years, remote sensing technologies and remote sensing applications have been experiencing a revolutionary advancement in various areas, including sensor development, software development, and applications. Applications of microwave remote sensing data, using active sensors, to study glaciers have been initially started over polar region to understand the impact of climate change on it. Advancement of radar remote sensing promotes other glaciated regions and natural resource managements which are otherwise restricted to monitor due to atmospheric or solar conditions. The glaciers, extensive body of land ice masses having down slope movement under the impact of gravity, are main fresh water resources by storing around 75% of the fresh water in the form of ice and snow. Regular monitoring of the glaciated regions can deliver a well planned management of this resource. The Himalayan glaciers, largest glaciated region outside the poles, being unique in nature, need more detailed study over their evolution. The glaciers of Himalayan-Karakoram-Hindukush (H-K-H) region are the main source of perennial rivers of the Asian countries which are highly populated and major agricultural region of the world. The existing scientific researches over the Himalayan glaciers confirm loss of the glacial mass, however the rates of loss vary due to the use of different methodologies. Discrepancies have been generated during different studies using different methodologies. However, it is obvious that the glaciers are losing mass. A regular monitoring of the glaciers is required using an objective method which will be consistent in nature and repeatable over different areas. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), provides data almost independent from solar and atmospheric conditions, is suitable for year-round monitoring of the Himalayan glaciers. A methodology has been developed using dual-polarized backscattering SAR signatures from surface and/or near-surface of the glaciers. Co-relations of dual-polarized signal f