Investigating the capability of the structure-from-motion photogrammetry on monitoring the ice surface sublimation

Sublimation is an important process of moisture and energy exchange on the surface of ice and snow, but it is difficult to obtain observational data in winter using the traditional manual weighing method and eddy covariance, which hinders the research of the sublimation process and its mechanism on the ice surface. This study investigates the accuracy of the time-lapse Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry method (O-T-SfM 4D) in monitoring ice surface sublimation by comparing it with the weighing pan. The O-T-SfM 4D photogrammetry experiment was conducted in two winter periods of 2023 and 2024. The observations indicate: O-T-SfM 4D monitoring of winter sublimation shows strong agreement with the weighing method. The deviation of ice surface sublimation monitored by O-T-SfM 4D is generally less than 0.09 mm/d (relative error 8%). Owing to its low cost and simplicity, the O-T-SfM 4D photogrammetry method shows strong potential to serve as a reliable tool for monitoring winter ice sublimation.