Monitoring the kinematics of a small mountain glacier with satellite radar interferometry (InSAR)

This project aims to monitor the movement of the Nevados glacier, a small mountain glacier resting above an old volcano from the central-south of Chile, using satellite radar interferometry (INSAR) to obtain velocity values for the glacier surface over the last decade. This data will be compared to a previous study on crevasse patterns to define the dynamics of ice flow for this particular glacier. Also, said velocity values will be contrasted against observations made from optical satellital imagery and digital photographs to constrain the limits of the debris covered part of the glacier. By analyzing this data, we expect to assess the role of the topography, and geological context, on the ice flow dynamics of the Nevados glacier and on its conservation potential, as the ice becomes covered by the volcanic debris.

Faculty Supervisor:

Saeid Homayouni

Student:

Partner:

Universidad de Concepción

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Water; Natural Resources

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: