Terrain analysis and data modeling for alpine glacier mapping

We investigate the utility of objectoriented data modeling and analysis of the topography for alpine glacier mapping at Nanga Parbat, in northern Pakistan. Results indicate that first and secondorder morphometric parameters can be used to study glacier features and delineate debriscovered glaciers. Objectoriented data modeling using a twolevel hierarchy was found to be successful for delineating the Raikot Glacier, although a threelevel hierarchy is required for more detailed glacier mapping. These findings are of special importance to the Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS) project, which will use satellite imagery to assess and map the Earth's glaciers. Furthermore, hierarchical modeling of the topography may serve to provide a foundation upon which scientists may learn more about the polygenetic nature of topographic evolution. 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Terrain analysis and data modeling for alpine glacier mapping Academic Article