Validation of SAR Iceberg Detection with Ground-Based Radar and GPS Measurements

Abstract

Calving of icebergs at the tidewater glacier fronts is a component of the mass loss in Polar regions. Studying the regional distribution of icebergs, their volume, motion, and interaction with the environment is of interest. Here, we present the results from a fieldwork campaign conducted in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard in April 2016, where both satellite and ground-based remote sensing instruments were used to observe dynamics of sea ice, icebergs, and growlers. We used a ground-based radar system, imaging the study area every second minute during five days. During the same observation period, we collected four RADARSAT-2 (RS-2) quad-pol images, that are used for automatic detection of icebergs. In addition, the fieldwork team collected GPS positions of some drifting and grounded icebergs in the fjord to be used as ground-truth data. The comparison and combination of satellite, ground-based radar, and in-situ data contribute to cross-validate the results.