Blue-Ice Extraction and Classification in Antarctica Using MOA Images

Zhang, X.; Zhou, C.; Yuan, L., and E, D., 2020. Blue-ice extraction and classification in Antarctica using MOA images. In: Yang, D.F. and Wang, H. (eds.), Recent Advances in Marine Geology and Environmental Oceanography. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 108, pp. 188–192. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Mosaic of Antarctica (MOA) images, areas of Antarctic blue ice were extracted and classified based on the grayscale threshold value of Band 1 MODIS images and the threshold of the surface snow grain size in Band 1 and Band 2 MODIS images. The MOA-based blue-ice area extraction method was verified by tests in blue-ice areas on Grove Mountains, and the MOA-based blue-ice classification method was verified by tests on Queen Maud Land. Highly reliable Antarctic blue-ice distribution maps were obtained in this study, and the blue-ice extent in Antarctica is 188,857–226,628 km2.