Spatial modelling of wetness for the Antarctic Dry Valleys

Abstract

This paper describes a method used to model relative wetness for part of the Antarctic Dry Valleys using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The model produces a relative index of liquid water availability using variables that influence the volume and distribution of water. Remote sensing using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images collected over four years is used to calculate an average index of snow cover and this is combined with other water sources such as glaciers and lakes. This water source model is then used to weight a hydrological flow accumulation model that uses slope derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) elevation data. The resulting wetness index is validated using three-dimensional visualization and a comparison with a high-resolution Advanced Land Observing Satellite image that shows drainage channels. This research demonstrates that it is possible to produce a wetness model of Antarctica using data that are becoming widely available.

• GIS
• water
• Antarctica
• remote sensing.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their very helpful questions and suggestions. This research was supported by special International Polar Year funding from the Foundation for Research Science and Technology, New Zealand. Antarctic New Zealand provided logistical support for fieldwork in the study area. Gateway Antarctica (University of Antarctica), in particular Irfon Jones and Bryan Storey, assisted with data compilation. Ian Hogg (University of Waikato) and Ashley Sparrow (University of Nevada) provided conceptual advice on abiotic and biotic constraints for Antarctic terrestrial biology. The University of Waikato provided a Master's scholarship and facilities to support this research.