Work

The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA) is the first continental-scale digital elevation model (DEM) at a resolution of less than 10 m. REMA is created from stereophotogrammetry with submeter resolution optical, commercial satellite imagery. The higher spatial and radiometric resolutions of this imagery enable high-quality surface extraction over the low-contrast ice sheet surface. The DEMs are registered to satellite radar and laser altimetry and are mosaicked to provide a continuous surface covering nearly 95 % the entire continent. The mosaic includes an error estimate and a time stamp, enabling change measurement. Typical elevation errors are less than 1 m, as validated by the comparison to airborne laser altimetry. REMA provides a powerful new resource for Antarctic science and provides a proof of concept for generating accurate high-resolution repeat topography at continental scales.

Source: The Cryosphere

DOI: 10.5194/tc-13-665-2019

Authors: Ian M. Howat, Claire Porter, Benjamin E. Smith, Myoung-Jong Noh, Paul Morin

Institutions: Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, The Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, University of Washington, University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Cryospheric studies and observations

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,574

Funders: National Science Foundation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Office of Polar Programs