MODIS-derived sea and sea ice surface temperature within western McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Darker colors represent colder temperatures and lighter colors represent warmer temperatures. Image Credit: Antarctica Climate Team
This is a part of the 2015 Fall VPS. For more VPS articles, click here
Category:åÊMonitoring Change for Resource Management
Project Team: Antarctica Climate
Team Location: University of Georgia ÛÒ Athens, Georgia
Authors:
Elizabeth Benyshek
Christopher Cameron
Caren Remillard
Eduardo Rendon
Mentors/Advisors:
Dr. Sally Walker (Department of Geology, University of Georgia)
Dr. Adam Milewski (Department of Geology, University of Georgia)
Abstract:
This project employed the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) to derive sea ice and temperature measurements in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica from 2003 to 2008. Time series maps were produced to illustrate both seasonal and inter-annual variability in sea ice characteristics within three partner-identified ecologically significant regions: Explorers Cove, Bay of Sails, and Ferrar Glacier. The team used parameters including sea ice thickness, ice surface temperature, and sea ice extent along with sea surface temperature to improve understanding of local sea ice dynamics. Additionally, the team evaluated potential spatio-temporal correlations between these parameters. Remote sensing datasets enhanced the project partner’s ability to assess sea ice characteristics on a larger spatial and temporal scale, broadening their limited study area and field season to the wider McMurdo Sound and the western Ross Sea throughout the entire year.