How Many Pan-Arctic Lakes Are Observed by ICESat-2 in Space and Time?

High-latitude lakes are sensitive indicators of climate change. Monitoring lake dynamics in high-latitude regions (e.g., pan-Arctic regions) is essential to improving our understanding the impacts change; however, lack situ water level measurements limits comprehensive quantification hydrologic regions. Fortunately, newly launched ICESat-2 laser altimeter can provide finer footprint and denser ground tracks, thus enabling us measure changes for more than with conventional radar altimeters. This study aims comprehensively assess number frequency (>1 km2, north 60°N) observable by space time over past three years. Further, we analyze spatial temporal characteristics ICESat-2-based observations these based on customized classification seasonal coverage patterns (wet/dry season, monthly, ten-day). We find that observed 80,688 (97% total). Among lakes, retrieved 40,192 (~50% lakes), accounting nearly 84% area 95% volumetric capacity. Most (99%) have water-level fluctuation amplitudes within a range 0–1 m. The latitudinal zonality analysis demonstrates change levels gently fluctuates around 0.5 m between 60°N 74°N becomes intense (range from 1 2 m) beyond 74°N. Our results expected offer an overall reference spatio-temporal ICESat-2’s which crucial comprehending response ongoing