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Dr Karla Boxall (Lancaster University) will present this science as part of Session CR6.5 on Friday, 08 May, 14:35–14:45 (CEST) in Room L2. Satellite missions such as CryoSat-2, ICESat-2 and Sentinel-3 provide invaluable data for measuring and monitoring ice sheet elevation change and any associated contributions to sea level. To capitalise fully on the immense value of satellite altimetry, the uncertainty associated with its measurements must be considered. Despite this, there is currently no standardised approach towards estimating uncertainty nor is there a method to assess how well existing uncertainties perform. Karla, and colleagues from Lancaster University, University College London and Earthwave Ltd., have produced the first framework for evaluating methods of uncertainty generation to find that uncertainties based on the complexity of the landscape as well as the quality of the waveform itself are most robust. The production of reliable uncertainties in this way is important because failing to incorporate uncertainties into downstream applications of satellite altimetry, such as in ice sheet models, can result in unconstrained estimates of ice mass balance, and ultimately, inaccurate predictions of global sea level change. Satellite altimetry provides us with crucial data on the Cryosphere. Continuing to refine and improve the way we process that data, including identifying and formalising how we deal with uncertainties, is integral to ensuring the effective use of satellite altimetry data. As the Earth warms, and ice melts, this data will help us plan for, and adapt to, the impacts of a changing climate. Find out more by reading the abstract and attending her presentation online or in-person at EGU26. This work is also available as a preprint in The Cryosphere. Feature image credit: ESA Header image credit: Professor Alison Banwell