Flow-stripes and foliations of the Antarctic ice sheet

Abstract

Longitudinal surface structures (LSSs) are flow parallel curvilineations visible on satellite imagery which are commonly observed on ice shelves, ice streams and glaciers. Their distribution and genesis has the ability to inform us about ice sheet history and glacial processes. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed for their formation. Here, we present continental-scale mapping of these features across the entire Antarctic ice sheet. The accompanying map details 42,311 polylines representing LSSs identified on satellite imagery (Landsat, RADARSAT and MODIS). The subtlety of these features provides many challenges for their identification and mapping. This work will provide the basis for future research on the morphology and formative conditions of these features in order to shed light on their genesis.