ESA - Living Planet Programme - CryoSat-2 - CryoSat to observe Earth’s ice cover

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CryoSat to observe Earth’s ice cover

15 February 2010

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CryoSat determines variations in the thickness of floating sea-ice so that seasonal and interannual variations can be detected. The satellite also surveys the surface of continental ice sheets to detect small elevation changes. Information on precise variations in ice thickness will further our understanding of the relationship between ice and climate change.

Credits: ESA /AOES Medialab

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Using a sophisticated radar altimeter called SIRAL (Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometric Radar Altimetry), CryoSat-2 will make accurate measurements of the thickness of floating sea-ice so that seasonal to inter-annual variations can be detected. It will also survey the surface of continental ice sheets to detect small elevation changes.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

CryoSat