Instruments and Methods: A compact lightweight multipurpose ground-penetrating radar for glaciological applications

Abstract

We describe a compact lightweight impulse radar for radio-echo sounding of subsurface structures designed specifically for glaciological applications. The radar operates at frequencies between 10 and 75MHz. Its main advantages are that it has a high signal-to-noise ratio and a corresponding wide dynamic range of 132dB due mainly to its ability to perform real-time stacking (up to 4096 traces) as well as to the high transmitted power (peak voltage 2800 V). The maximum recording time window, 40 μs at 100 MHz sampling frequency, results in possible radar returns from as deep as 3300m. It is a versatile radar, suitable for different geophysical measurements (common-offset profiling, common midpoint, transillumination, etc.) and for different profiling set-ups, such as a snowmobile and sledge convoy or carried in a backpack and operated by a single person. Its low power consumption (6.6 W for the transmitter and 7.5W for the receiver) allows the system to operate under battery power for >7 hours with a total weight of <9 kg for all equipment, antennas and batteries.