Analysis techniques for coherent airborne radar sounding: Application to West Antarctic ice streams

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Abstract
Analysis of coherent radar sounding echoes from polar ice sheets can provide information suitable for classifying the subglacial environment. Echoes from a general interface consist of both specularly reflected and diffusely scattered contributions. Specular reflection results from smooth uniform interfaces, whereas diffuse scattering results from rough nonuniform interfaces and inhomogeneous media. This article discusses how these phenomena are important to the acquisition and analysis of coherent radar sounding data. Reflection results are presented from airborne surveys conducted in 1987 over the downstream portions of Whillans Ice Stream and Ice Stream C, West Antarctica. Additionally, reflection and scattering analyses along with new results are presented for repeat profiles flown in 2001 over Ice Stream C. Analysis methods include using echo amplitudes to compute reflection coefficients which are used for inferring the dielectric properties of the subglacial material. Echo phase analysis provides the locations of dominant scattering centers which relate to reflection or scattering from the interface as well as provide interface roughness estimates. Comparison of low‐ and high‐resolution imaging obtained from synthetic aperture radar techniques indicates a reflecting and/or scattering interface. Combining the results from these independent analyses provides classification of the subglacial environment. Classified regions include smooth seawater, smooth saturated sediments, accreted marine ice, rough bottom crevasses, mixed conditions with partial subglacial water, and dry frozen conditions.

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