The Arctic is playing an increasingly important role in global debates about sea level rise and the threats it poses to coastal areas around the world. With this in mind, it is necessary to investigate the complex process of calving, in which ice breaks away from the edge of the glacier. This phenomenon contributes significantly to sea level rise, so we must understand this process and use it to predict future changes in our world.

Arctic research with Sentinel-1

A recent step forward in this search for understanding has been made thanks to the excellent cooperation between I-SEA (based in France) and NORCE (from Norway). As part of the Space for Shore project, scientists made extensive use of more than a thousand images from the Sentinel-1 mission. Their purpose? Carefully follow the development of Svalbard’s coastal glaciers.

The Sentinel-1 mission, a key element of the European Union’s Copernicus program, used Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to collect high-resolution data in harsh Arctic conditions. Thanks to this technology, these critical glaciers are now monitored consistently throughout the year.

Measurement of calving activity

Using Sentinel-1 data from 2015 to 2023, researchers were able to map the glacier front and measure calving activity during Svalbard’s summer months, the period when calving intensity peaks. One of the important achievements was the ability to determine the summer fronts of glaciers.

Researchers examined images taken between July and September and were able to determine that summer glacier fronts were areas where 95% of the glacier’s size was preserved during these months.

At best, the team found a way to understand summer calving intensity by observing floating icebergs and breeders. Interestingly, the greater number of these ice masses in the summer months indicates that the glacier is thinning more actively and retreating faster. These are key signs of glacier health and stability.

Observing changes in arctic glaciers

In Kongsfjorden, one of the main study areas, glaciers such as Kronebreen and Kongsvegen showed significant changes. Daily Sentinel-1 observations were used to classify the region into glacier, iceberg, and grower zones.

Jörg Haarpaintner, a team member from NORCE, explained that the Sentinel-1 method “reveals the dynamic interaction between ice and ocean over time by providing a statistically defined set of summer glacier frontal positions and thinning intensity.” Manon Tranchand, the project’s principal investigator, said this analysis paints a clear picture of ongoing changes in Arctic glaciers.

“They are critical for predicting the future impacts of climate change on these sensitive regions,” Tranchand said. he said.

“It would not be possible to monitor these dynamic ice-ocean interactions without Sentinel-1’s consistent high-resolution data. Continued warming is likely to accelerate ice loss, and our data show how this may contribute to global sea level rise. Sentinel-1’s capabilities will enable us to monitor these changes in similar ways.” “It allows us to capture it with unprecedented precision.”

Launch of Sentinel-1C

Sentinel-1C, scheduled to launch next month, represents a significant step forward in monitoring the impact of Arctic ice caps and global climate. An upcoming addition to the Sentinel-1 mission will deliver advanced radar imaging capabilities and increase the continuity of critical climate research. Sentinel-1C’s advanced capabilities will increase our ability to obtain detailed year-round data on glacier fronts, melt rates, and ice-ocean interactions, even in the harsh Arctic environment.

Global consequences of Arctic ice loss

Information gained from monitoring the melting of Arctic ice caps extends far beyond the region. As glaciers retreat and breeding increases, freshwater flows into the oceans disrupt natural currents, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical component of the Earth’s climate system.

This disruption could lead to significant changes in weather conditions, such as harsher winters in Europe and stronger monsoons in South Asia. Additionally, the loss of Arctic ice reinforces the global climate change feedback loop. As the ice melts, it releases darker ocean water, which absorbs more sunlight and accelerates warming; This is a phenomenon known as the albedo effect.

These changes not only impact the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems, but also have cascading effects on biodiversity, fisheries and human livelihoods around the world. By understanding the intricacies of glacier growth on missions like Sentinel-1, researchers equip policymakers with tools that can predict and mitigate these far-reaching impacts.