Remote Sensing

Remote sensing has always been an important component in the river and lake ice toolbox. Remote sensing gathers information regarding the earth’s surface using means that do not require direct contact with the surface. The information is attained by detecting energy emitted or reflected from the surface; this information is then processed and analysed further to determine specific characteristics of the surface features. These features can be, for example, different types of ice, ice thicknesses and extent of ice covers. Remote sensing is also useful to monitor the progression of ice-cover breakup and helps in the prediction of ice-jam locations and timing. Remote sensing can provide estimates of the volume of ice that can accumulate in ice jams by detecting the extent of ice covers upstream of potential ice-jam sites.