RADARSAT: the Antarctic Mapping Project

The international research community is providing guidance to the Antarctic Mapping Project through the Antarctic Mapping Advisory Group. AMAG is tasked with helping assure that science opportunities envisioned for the program can be achieved with the mission plan, data reduction algorithms and final product suite. These opportunities include studying the dynamics and variability of the Antarctic ice sheet including studies of regions like the Wordie Ice Shelf and the Larsen Ice Shelf which have recently experienced unexplained and very rapid retreat. Geologic applications include large scale mapping of faults, volcanic features, and studies of mountain building processes, particularly the Transantarctic Mountains. Data are also expected to assist in the development and implementation of policies for managing the Antarctic environment. Finally, there is simply the unprecedented opportunity to use these digital maps in studies of many previously unexplored areas of the Southern Continent.