Waleed Abdalati

Using satellites and in situ measurements to study polar ice, my group works with space-based, airborne, and in situ observations to study changes in Earth’s glaciers and ice sheets, with a focus on understanding the characteristics of the seas surrounding Greenland and how their interactions with the outlet glaciers that drain the ice sheet impact the ways in which the sea/ice exchanges affect the discharge of ice from the ice sheets. The melting and retreat of floating ice (ice tongues) at the glacier fronts comprise the greatest uncertainty in determining how much and how fast the Greenland ice sheet will contribute to sea level rise.  Understanding the thermodynamic and dynamic processes where the ice meets the water is critical to reducing that uncertainty and developing more reliable forecasts. Satellite observations of temperature, combined with in situ observations of temperature, salinity, and circulation, as well as ocean modeling results provide the opportunity to gain new insights into the processes that occur at these critical interfaces. 

In a more general sense, I work to advance the development of satellites and the use of satellite observations to understand the overall Earth System behavior, leading community efforts to engage leaders and inform investments in such capabilities.  

Finally, in addition to these areas, my work is also focused on engaging decision-makers, planners, and policy-makers to ensure that the users of sea level rise data are aware of and understand the current state of scientific knowledge and that the producers of sea level rise information understand user needs and communicate the state of scientific knowledge in ways that are most effective and useful. More broadly, I work to communicate the importance of Earth system knowledge in meeting the challenges associated with environmental change, in terms of mitigating change, anticipating change, and adapting to change in its various forms.