Mapping of permafrost on Vega Island, Antarctic Peninsula, using satellite images and aerial photography

Abstract

The work presented deals with detailed mapping of permafrost in Devil Bay, Vega Island, northeastern Antarctic Peninsula. Mapping of landforms and permafrost features within a periglacial plain was performed using high resolution visible satellite images and aerial photography. Two maps of permafrost were produced: one based on analysis and interpretation of visible satellite imagery and another on low-altitude aerial photography, both yielding similar results. The principles of morphogenesis were applied to map production, distinguishing both the syncryogenic and epicryogenic formations and each constitutive cryofacies. The interpretation of remote-sensing data allowed areas of occurence of particular cryogenic processes to be defined. Remote sensing was found to be useful for permafrost mapping at both medium and large scales, and applicable for future extension to other regions in Antarctica.