FS 3.162: Glacier Monitoring in Real-time

Glaciological in-situ measurements have been crucial for glacier mass-balance monitoring, providing valuable insights for process understanding, model calibration, and validation. However, these measurements are typically limited to seasonal or annual surveys on a few hundred glaciers globally due to logistical constraints. Remote sensing has significantly expanded observation capabilities, enabling global assessments of glacier elevation and mass changes through satellite sensors. This session will examine the evolving role of in-situ networks in glacier monitoring, emphasizing their limitations and opportunities relative to remote sensing and modelling approaches. Key discussion points include integrating advanced sensor technology, automated monitoring systems, real-time data transmission, and continuous modelling approaches. These advancements transform traditional glacier monitoring from periodic surveys to continuous, real-time observation. Participants will share experiences with real-time monitoring systems and explore their potential to enhance temporal resolution in glacier mass-balance studies. Case studies and discussions will focus on the challenges of deploying such systems in harsh glacier environments and their contribution to calibrating and validating remote sensing products and glacier models. The session aims to highlight how continuous data streams can deepen our understanding of climate change impacts on glaciers and related downstream effects. This forum invites scientists and experts in glaciology, remote sensing, and glacier modelling to engage in discussions on advancing glacier monitoring through real-time data acquisition.