Remote Sensing of River and Lake Ice/Water Using Spaceborne, Airborne, and Ground Platforms

Dear Colleagues,

The snow–ice–water system represents a complex and interconnected natural phenomenon. Historically, studies on snow, ice, and water in winter have been conducted in isolation across various disciplines. However, recent advancements in cryosphere science and technology have enabled a more integrated research approach. The interplay between ice and water is governed by critical phenomena, including phase transitions that drive dynamic energy and mass exchanges. These processes are further linked to ecosystems and water quality, fostering unique ecological systems beneath ice covers. Thermodynamic processes in cold-region hydrology are fundamentally shaped by the interactions between snow-ice and ice-water. These interactions often exhibit complex coupled behaviours, influencing energy and nutrient exchange while driving physical, chemical, and ecological processes. Consequently, multidisciplinary investigations are essential to unravel these dynamics. Remote sensing has emerged as a powerful tool for regional and large-scale monitoring, facilitating the study of interactions among the atmosphere, snow, ice, and water. Integrated space–air–ground(ice) remote sensing is particularly valuable in remote rural areas or during high-risk ice periods when on-site human investigations are challenging.

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue titled "Remote Sensing of River and Lake Ice/Water Using Spaceborne, Airborne, and Ground Platforms" in Remote Sensing. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in space-air-ground(ice) remote sensing for studying snow, ice, and water in rivers and lakes. It provides a platform for researchers to share novel findings, methodologies, and insights. We invite contributions across a broad spectrum of topics, including theoretical studies, case analyses, field investigations, data-driven approaches, numerical modelling, and comprehensive reviews.

We welcome submissions on the following topics:

(a) Ice-water phase transition processes, phase transition-influenced properties (e.g., thermal, optical, and electrical), water ecosystems and quality under ice, and remote sensing algorithms for snow/ice/water parameters using multi-sensor and multi-source data.

(b) Field measurements integrating remote sensing for snow, ice, and water research.

(c) Interdisciplinary research on the snow-ice-water system, combining remote sensing techniques for meteorology, hydrology, and ecology.

(d) Assessments of snow, ice, and water interactions in relation to human activities, such as water resource management, tourism, and natural disasters.

(e) Other relevant studies on snow, ice and water in cold regions through remote technology.

Prof. Dr. Zhijun Li
Dr. Lilong Zou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the Special Issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.