HIGH-RESOLUTION SURFACE AND BED TOPOGRAPHY MAPPING OF RUSSELL GLACIER (SW GREENLAND) USING UAV AND GPR

Abstract

This study presents the detailed survey of the northern marginal part of Russell Glacier, SW Greenland using the combination of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and low-frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. Obtained digital elevation model (DEM) and ice thickness data from GPR data allowed the generation of high precision subglacial topography model. We report uncertainties arising from GPR, GPS, and DEM suggesting sufficient accuracy for the reconstruction of glacier bed topography. GPR data and generated subglacial topography model does not reveal any possible Nye channel that could be incised into the bedrock, however, we were able to detect englacial tunnel that runs approximately parallel to the ice margin and possibly is a remnant of a tunnel that provided passage for ice-dammed lake waters during the latest jökulhlaups (2007, 2008). We also observe a radar-transparent layer up to 20 m from the glacier surface suggesting the boundary of cold/temperate ice or piezometric surface. The latter one is preferred due to the warm climatic conditions which are supposed to warm up possible winter cold wave.