Spatial modelling of wetness for the Antarctic Dry Valleys

Polar research

T.G. Allan Green¹  Craig Cary¹  Glen Stichbury²  Lars Brabyn³ 

[1] Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato Private Bag 31053240HamiltonNew Zealand;University of Waikato Department of Geography, Tourism and Environmental Planning, Private Bag 31053240HamiltonNew Zealand;University of Waikato Department of Geography, Tourism and Environmental Planning, Private Bag 31053240HamiltonNew Zealand Correspondence

关键词: GIS;    water;    Antarctica;    remote sensing.;   

DOI  :  10.3402/polar.v30i0.6330

学科分类：自然科学（综合）

来源: Co-Action Publishing

【 摘 要 】

This paper describes a method used to model relative wetness for part of the Antarctic Dry Valleys using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The model produces a relative index of liquid water availability using variables that influence the volume and distribution of water. Remote sensing using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images collected over four years is used to calculate an average index of snow cover and this is combined with other water sources such as glaciers and lakes. This water source model is then used to weight a hydrological flow accumulation model that uses slope derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) elevation data. The resulting wetness index is validated using three-dimensional visualization and a comparison with a high-resolution Advanced Land Observing Satellite image that shows drainage channels. This research demonstrates that it is possible to produce a wetness model of Antarctica using data that are becoming widely available.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC