Stratigraphy of Wanda Glacier, King George Island, Antarctica, using ground penetrating radar

Abstract

We present the results of a high-frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys carried out during the ablation season of 2011, in Wanda Glacier, King George Island (KGI), Antarctica, aimed to determine its internal structure and thermal regime. GPR data were collected along 17 longitudinal and transversal sections in the ablation area in January 2011. Migrated and topographically corrected radar sections show strong internal reflectors in firn layer. Similar internal structure is observed in other glaciers in KGI. Strong scattering of radio waves are attributed to supraglacial, englacial and subglacial meltwater channels and constitutes further evidence that the ice in the ablation area of this glacier is temperate. Because of its small size (1.5 km2) and thermal conditions, Wanda Glacier responds rapidly to climatic changes being relevant for environmental studies.