Recent advancements in snow depth measurement over Arctic sea ice have been achieved through innovative dual-altimeter technology. A collaborative effort between the University of Tromsø and the University of Leeds has resulted in two new snow depth products, utilizing data from CryoSat-2 (CS2) and ICESat-2 (IS2) satellites.
Launched in 2010, CryoSat-2 was designed to monitor polar regions, while ICESat-2, launched in 2018, measures ice thickness and land topography. The newly developed products combine observations from these satellites, focusing on the differences in radar freeboard to calculate snow depth. This method allows for more accurate assessments of snow thickness, crucial for understanding climate change impacts on sea ice.
The research highlights the importance of these measurements for climate modeling and the monitoring of Arctic ecosystems. As snow depth influences ice stability and the overall health of marine environments, these findings are expected to significantly enhance our understanding of Arctic dynamics.