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Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department or Program Affiliation

College of the Environment

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Khan, Alia L.

Second Advisor

Wallin, David O.

Third Advisor

Scambos, Theodore A.

Abstract

Advancements in remote sensing technologies are rapidly transforming the way we monitor and understand the cryosphere. This thesis integrates two complementary studies to evaluate the potential of emerging platforms – low-cost uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and commercial small satellites (SmallSats) – for surface characterization of snow- and ice-covered environments, including the identification and mapping of snow algae. The first study investigates the applicability of a relatively low-cost, commercially available UAV for capturing fine-scale spatial and spectral variability across cryospheric surfaces. This UAV was tested at three field sites: the Lemon Creek Glacier on the Juneau Icefield, Alaska; the Easton Glacier, Mount Baker, Washington; and Bagley Basin, Mount Baker, Washington. These field deployments demonstrate the UAV’s capability for mapping the spatial distribution of snow algae, assessing the timing of snowmelt and changes to suncup morphology, and classifying glacier surfaces. The second study focuses on the capabilities of commercial SmallSats in detecting and mapping snow algae at unprecedented spatial scales. High-resolution sensors such as SkySat are capable of visualizing fine-scale features, including individual algae blooms on Mt. Baker, in far greater detail than traditional, government-funded satellite sensors. This study also explores the tradeoffs and limitations associated with SmallSat imagery. Together, these studies highlight the shift toward more accessible, accurate, and customizable approaches to remote sensing in polar and alpine regions. The findings underscore the critical role that new airborne and spaceborne sensors can play in advancing our understanding of cryospheric processes.

Type

Text

Keywords

remote sensing, cryosphere, UAVs, drones, satellites, multispectral, snow algae

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1534465691

Subject – LCSH

Remote sensing--Washington (State)--Baker, Mount; Remote sensing--Alaska--Lemon Creek Glacier; Cryosphere; Drone aircraft in remote sensing

Geographic Coverage

Baker, Mount (Wash.); Lemon Creek Glacier (Alaska)

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

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