Gradient approach to INSAR modelling of glacial dynamics and morphology

This paper describes the development and testing of an original gradient approach (GINSAR) to the reconstruction of glacial morphology and ice motion estimation from the interferometric phase gradient that does not involve the procedure of interferometric phase unwrapping, thus excluding areal error propagation and improving the modelling accuracy. The global and stringent GINSAR algorithm is applicable to unsupervised glacier change detection, ice motion estimation and glacier mass balance measurement at regional scale. Experimental studies and field surveys proved its efficacy and robustness. Some algorithmic singularities and limitations are discussed.