Ice elevations and surface change on the Malaspina Glacier, Alaska

Here we use Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat)-derived elevations and surface characteristics to investigate the Malaspina Glacier of southern Alaska. Although there is significant elevation variability between ICESat tracks on this glacier, we were able to discern general patterns in surface elevation change by using a regional digital elevation model (DEM) as a reference surface. Specifically, we report elevation differences between ICESat Laser 1 - 3 observations ( February 2003 November 2004) and a Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)-derived DEM from February 2000. Elevation decreases of up to 20 - 25 m over a 3 - 4 year time period were observed across the folded loop moraine on the southern portion of the Malaspina Glacier.