Validation of airborne and satellite altimetry data by Arctic Truck citizen science

The elevation of ice sheets response dynamically to climate change and satellite altimetry is the preferred tool for evaluating sheet-wide changes. In-situ validation are needed ensure quality observed changes, but coast most often limiting factor amount in-situ data available. As more tourists accessing sheets, citizen science might provide in an environmental cost-efficient way. Here, we investigate opportunistic kinematic-GPS profiles across Greenland sheet, collected American-Icelandic Expedition on Greenlandic icecap 2018. First, GPS-data tested against widely used NASA Operation IceBridge airborne lidar-scannings, shows good agreement, with accuracy 11 cm. main difference attributed changes compaction snow as encountered while driving, well changing tire pressures. then by inter-comparing it from ESA's CryoSat-2 mission. a bias two records 89 cm observed, Cryosat-2 observation originating subsurface sheet. This points surface penetration Ku-band radar magnitude accordance literature. Finally, assess long-term durability data, when compared profile obtained 2005 near Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. show average decreased 9 meters peaks at 25.7 meters. result how can be see full impact repeat measurements. Thereby shown highly versatile approach acquire high-resolution altimetry, added benefit potentially direct sampling properties firn, applying traditional platforms. linking up citizen-science expeditions truly beneficial way providing validations may also have societal involving monitoring sheets.