Objectives: The objective of this project is to develop transformative, novel methods to retrieve near real-time ice phenology and thickness using active microwave observations and complementary remote sensing datasets to further develop an increased understanding of annual variability of ice formation on northern lakes relative to climate-controlling factors. Our approach uses sophisticated cloud computing technology (e.g. Google Earth Engine (GEE)) with planetary-scale analysis capabilities. Seamless cloud-accessible processing and product retrieval allows for Northern communities to access data expediently, detect changes, map trends, and quantify differences in ice thickness and phenology in their desired region of interest. The output will contribute to providing recommendations to communities and industry to consider the determination of safe ice thickness conditions to mitigate potential hazards, as well as extending the safety levels while taking into account the frequency of measurements and available ice thickness maps.

Project PI(s):

• Dr. Homa Kheyrollah Pour (Co-PI)
• Dr. Grant Gunn (Co-PI, University of Waterloo)
• Dr. Andrea Scott (Co-PI, University of Waterloo)

Project Partner(s):

• Andrew Applejohn (GNWT Environment and Natural Resources)
• Bruce Hanna (GNWT Environment and Natural Resources)
• Steve Howell (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
• Mélanie Desjardins (NWT Centre for Geomatics)
• Tom Hoefer (NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines)

Funding: Global Water Futures (GWF)

Period: 2020/08 to 2023/07