The versatility of UAVs makes them ideally suited as platforms from which to make low-altitude, high-resolution observations of cryospheric landscapes and seascapes. In such environments, the viability of ground-based investigations can be logistically challenging, or altogether impossible, such that distinct value is placed on the acquisition of valuable field data.
To date, increasingly capable UAVs mounted with consumer- or higher spec, survey-grade instrumentation have enabled new scientific insights in all cryospheric domains, both through the collection of static ‘one-off’ datasets, and, by collecting data from repeat sorties, time series data which allows scientists to quantify the evolution of these environments over periods ranging from a few hours, to multiple years, and often in unprecedented detail. Such data are already playing a pivotal role as we seek to more fully understand the impact of environmental change in cryospheric regions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to showcase world-leading, innovative research into UAV-enabled observation of cryospheric systems, including: ice sheets, mountain glaciers, rock glaciers and ice-proximal (proglacial or periglacial) land systems, permafrost landscapes (including both latitudinal or altitudinal permafrost), permanent or seasonal snowpack, and sea and river ice.
We encourage contributions that are concerned with the development of new UAV-mounted sensors specifically for cryospheric monitoring (i.e. ‘innovation’) and those where the emphasis is on new applications of existing UAV-based technology, as well as studies which involve both.
We seek Original Research Papers, Methodological Papers, state-of-the-art Reviews, and Perspective articles. We particularly welcome contributions that are inherently multidisciplinary and/or those with an applied focus, although neither are a prerequisite for consideration.
The versatility of UAVs makes them ideally suited as platforms from which to make low-altitude, high-resolution observations of cryospheric landscapes and seascapes. In such environments, the viability of ground-based investigations can be logistically challenging, or altogether impossible, such that distinct value is placed on the acquisition of valuable field data.
To date, increasingly capable UAVs mounted with consumer- or higher spec, survey-grade instrumentation have enabled new scientific insights in all cryospheric domains, both through the collection of static ‘one-off’ datasets, and, by collecting data from repeat sorties, time series data which allows scientists to quantify the evolution of these environments over periods ranging from a few hours, to multiple years, and often in unprecedented detail. Such data are already playing a pivotal role as we seek to more fully understand the impact of environmental change in cryospheric regions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to showcase world-leading, innovative research into UAV-enabled observation of cryospheric systems, including: ice sheets, mountain glaciers, rock glaciers and ice-proximal (proglacial or periglacial) land systems, permafrost landscapes (including both latitudinal or altitudinal permafrost), permanent or seasonal snowpack, and sea and river ice.
We encourage contributions that are concerned with the development of new UAV-mounted sensors specifically for cryospheric monitoring (i.e. ‘innovation’) and those where the emphasis is on new applications of existing UAV-based technology, as well as studies which involve both.
We seek Original Research Papers, Methodological Papers, state-of-the-art Reviews, and Perspective articles. We particularly welcome contributions that are inherently multidisciplinary and/or those with an applied focus, although neither are a prerequisite for consideration.
