Constraining ice dynamics at Dome C, Antarctica, using remotely sensed measurements

A first time description is given of the ice flow at Dome C, Antarctica, ar ound the EPICA drilling site. We used satellite radar altimetry to obtain t he precise ice surface topography, airborne radio echo sounding to obtain t he ice thickness and satellite SAR interferometry to derive one component o f the surface velocity field. The balance flux around the Dome C area is th en accurately mapped and comparisons made between driving stress, surface a nd balance velocity to help us describe the ice flow in the region. As a by product of the study, we also recover anomalies in the ice flow conditions in sub-glacial lake locations. These effects result from localy invalid sha llow-ice approximation. The results of this study form the basis for future investigations of the ice flow conditions at Dome C in relation to ice cor e interpretation.