In this topic Dr Bianca Perren and Professor Konrad Steffen outline the challenges of monitoring and measuring the vast ice sheet with the traditional means of using ground-based instruments and aircraft. Although networks of research camps and measurement sites have been established across the ice sheet over recent decades, they still provide only a small number of point data sources when used alone. In addition, the depth of the ice sheet and the need to understand the feedback loops caused by the interaction of warming oceans and the underside of the ice sheet also present significant challenges for traditional research methods.

Professor Steffen will set out how models can be used to extrapolate and infer wider understanding of the ice sheet from point data sources, and how satellite technology provides a unique perspective and a broad overview of the entire ice sheet, that can be used in conjunction with the point data and models.

Featured Educators:

• Dr Bianca Perren

• Professor Konrad Steffen

Don’t forget you can download the video, transcript and take any quizzes available with the links on the right.