Geostatistical approaches to interpolation and classification of remote-sensing data from ice surfaces

Geostatistical methods for interpolation and extrapolation techniques are used in glaciological data analysis. The results of a program involving the mapping of the Antarctica from satellite radar altimeter data are discussed. A combination of high and low resolution techniques was applied in the analysis of the Bering Glacier (Alaska). The global positioning system (GPS) located video data collected from small aircraft and the ERS-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images were used. From the perspective of SAR data analysis, the Bering Glacier surge was the opportunity to characterize the surface of fast flowing ice and the rapid changes in the surface roughness.