Authors: Dr. Arvind Menon, Ms. Priya Raghavan
Abstract: Glacier monitoring and snow cover analysis play a crucial role in understanding climate change, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. Remote sensing offers cost-effective, repeatable, and large-scale observation capabilities that have revolutionized the study of cryospheric processes. This paper examines the role of remote sensing technologies, including optical, thermal, and microwave sensors, in detecting glacier retreat, mass balance changes, and seasonal snow cover variations. We also discuss data integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, case studies from the Himalayas, Alps, and Antarctic regions, and challenges such as cloud cover interference and spatial resolution limitations. The study emphasizes the importance of multi-temporal satellite datasets and advanced image processing techniques for accurate and timely glacier monitoring. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating UAV data, AI-driven classification, and real time monitoring networks to improve snow and glacier observation systems globally.
Keywords : Remote sensing, Glacier monitoring, Snow cover, Climate change, GIS, Cryosphere, Satellite imagery
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