Comparing the Applicability of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 for Mapping the Evolution of Ice-marginal Lakes in Southeast Iceland

A comparison of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data reveals distinct advantages for mapping ice-marginal lakes at the southern margin of Vatnajökull, Iceland. While Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) proved superior in detecting the number of such lakes, Sentinel-2's optical data excelled in delineating their boundaries with precision. This study, conducted between 2016 and 2020 using object-based image analysis and time series, underscores the complementary strengths of these satellite datasets for glaciological and geomorphological studies, as well as hazard assessment. The findings highlight the potential of integrating both optical and SAR data to enhance monitoring efforts in dynamic glacial environments.

Dabiri, Z., Hölbling, D., Abad, L., & Guðmundsson, S. (2021). Comparing the Applicability of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 for Mapping the Evolution of Ice-marginal Lakes in Southeast Iceland. GI_Forum, 1, 46–52. https://doi.org/10.1553/giscience2021_01_s46