Ground penetrating radar measurements over glaciers

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar is one of the predominant techniques to determine the thickness and internal structure of glaciers and other ice-rich environments, including layering and snow accumulation. The electric and dielectric properties which govern the propagation of radar signals allow radar to travel easily and far in snow and ice, even when laden with debris as in debris-covered and rock glaciers, or in mixtures of soil and ice as in permafrost. The directionality of the radar response tells us something about the structure and dynamics of the glacier, and the layering apparent in GPR profiles can be tied to accumulation rates and to particular isochrones for studies of paleoclimate. GPR imaging is providing not just 3D views of the subsurface, but time lapse imaging is allowing us to see those subsurface features change and evolve. The successful application of GPR on Earth will allow us to extend it to the search for water and water ice on Mars.