Radio Echo Sounding On Temperate Glaciers

Abstract

A high-resolution radio echo sounder operating at a frequency of 620 MHz has been developed for studies of temperate glaciers. Excellent spatial resolution is obtained through the use of a short pulse length (70 ns) and an antenna beam width of 5.2°. Large amounts of high-quality data may be rapidly collected since the sounder incorporates an automatic positioning system and an on-line computer. Real time analysis of the echoes facilitates the understanding of complex reflecting horizons observed in temperate glaciers. Results obtained during field trials of the echo sounder on both the Wapta Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are given. Intraglacial structures which may be due to water levels within the ice have been detected.