OUTREACH

Latest science results from the Flade Isblink science case at EGU26

Fruitful and interesting discussions on the most recent findings from our Flade Isblink science case were held in Vienna during EGU26!

EGU26 General Assembly logo

ABOUT

The EGU General Assembly 2026 brings together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early-career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience.

Read more on EGU26 on https://www.egu26.eu/.

As part of the Cryosphere (CR) programme, ARCTEX contributed to Session CR1.2: Glacier and Ice Caps Under Climate Change: from observation and modelling to impacts and risks

Ahead of the poster session, Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan pitched our on-going Flade Isblink ARCTEX research during the oral block of CR1.2 on Thursday, 07 May (14:00–17:55). He provided a concise introduction of the science case and highlighted key results and scientific questions. This oral pitch drew attention to the poster and set the stage for more in-depth discussions the next day.

Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan pitching ARCTEX poster.
Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan pitched the ARCTEX poster during the oral part of the session. Credit: Renée M. Fredensborg Hansen

On Friday, our poster on Science Case # 3 (Flade Isblink) showcased recent observations of extreme events over Flade Isblink, with particular emphasis on probing interactions and linkages between land ice, sea ice, and the surrounding environment.

Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan and Postdoc Renée M. Fredensborg Hansen in front of ARCTEX poster.
Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan and Postdoc Renée M. Fredensborg Hansen in front of the Science Case #3 ARCTEX poster. Credit: Pau Fabregat Carrascal  

The poster session proved to be a lively forum, attracting a steady stream of curious visitors and giving rise to many engaging and thoughtful discussions. Conversations ranged from satellite synergies and model validation to broader questions about cryosphere–climate interactions and future research directions. 

Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan presenting his poster at EGU26
Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan discussing surface properties derived from EO-based datasets for different Arctic ice caps. Credit: Renée M. Fredensborg Hansen. 
A poster presenting the dedicated study of surface densities derived from radar altimetry, and their comparison with other EO datasets, was presented by Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan on Wednesday, 6 May. The work was conducted within ARCTEX, focusing on Science Case #2 (Austfonna) and Science Case #3 (Flade Isblink), as well as the Icelandic ice cap Vatnajökull through a collaboration with the EU ICELINK project (https://www.icelink-project.eu/), and was supported by the Villum Foundation. The poster attracted many visitors and sparked engaging discussions, particularly on the contrasting patterns observed by radar altimeters operating at different frequencies and the differing behaviour seen in other EO-based datasets.

With its dynamic atmosphere and diversity of perspectives, EGU26 once again demonstrated the power of scientific dialogue. ARCTEX returned from Vienna inspired, energised, and encouraged by the many insightful discussions, and excited to carry these ideas forward into future research on extreme Arctic events!

Contact

Kirk Michael Scanlan

Kirk Michael Scanlan Researcher Department of Space Research and Space Technology

Renée Mie Fredensborg Hansen

Renée Mie Fredensborg Hansen Postdoc Department of Space Research and Space Technology