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In 1978, the USGS began the preparation of the 11-chapter USGS Professional
Paper 1386, “Satellite Image Atlas of Glaciers of the World.”
Between 1979 and 1981, optimum satellite images were distributed to a
team of 70 scientists, representing 25 nations and 45 institutions, who
agreed to author sections of the Professional Paper concerning either
a geographic area (chapters B–K) or a glaciological topic (included
in Chapter A). The scientists used Landsat 1, 2, and 3 multispectral
scanner (MSS) images and Landsat 2 and 3 return beam vidicon (RBV) images
to inventory the areal occurrence of glacier ice on our planet within
the boundaries of the spacecrafts' coverage (between about 82º north
and south latitudes). Some later contributors also used Landsat 4 and
5 MSS and Thematic Mapper, Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper-Plus (ETM+),
and other satellite images. In addition to analyzing images of a specific
geographic area, each author was asked to summarize up-to-date information
about the glaciers within each area and compare their present-day areal
distribution with reliable historical information (from published maps,
reports, and photographs) about their past extent. Because of the limitations
of Landsat images for delineating or monitoring small glaciers in some
geographic areas (the result of inadequate spatial resolution, lack of
suitable seasonal coverage, or absence of coverage), some information
on the areal distribution of small glaciers was derived from ancillary
sources, including other satellite images. Completion of the atlas will
provide an accurate regional inventory of the areal extent of glaciers
on our planet during a relatively narrow time interval (1972–1981).
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