Ross Ice Shelf (Antarctica) in situ radio-frequency attenuation

Abstract

We have measured the in situ average electric field attenuation length, 〈Lα〉, for radiofrequency signals broadcast vertically through the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. We chose a location, Moore Embayment, south of Minna Bluff, known for its high reflectivity at the ice-sea interface. We confirmed specular reflection and used the return pulses to measure the average attenuation length from 75-1250 MHz over the round-trip distance of 1155 m. We find 〈Lα〉 to vary from ∼500m at 75 MHz to ∼300m at 1250 MHz, with an experimental uncertainty of 55-15 m.