Areal changes and motion of northern Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula

Areal changes and motion field of the northern Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, were analyzed based on Landsat TM data from 1986 to 1989 and ERS SAR data from 1991 to 1997. During this period the ice shelf north of Jason Peninsula decreased from 16200 km/sup 2/ to 10600 km/sup 2/. The main single event was observed in January 1995, when the two northernmost sections disintegrated almost completely. Velocities on the ice shelf were derived from TM and SAR data by feature tracking using cross-correlation techniques, based on repeat images of one-year intervals. The satellite derived motion compares well with field measurements which are available at a few sites.