EXPLORING THE ANTARCTIC WITH ICE-SOUNDING RADAR
Abstract
Gradients of the dielectric constant and loss factor that control radio wave propagation through hard, clear ice, from the surface to depths of several hundred feet, were established during the past five years, at frequencies up to 500 mcs. Thirteen ice-sounding flights were made with helicopter-mounted 400 mc altimeters over a thousand miles of the 200 to 1400 foot thick Antarctic continental ice-shelf in January/February, 1962. Dielectric constant and loss factor gradient calculations were based upon ice depth values previously established by soundwave reflection and by drilling techniques. The radio reflection depths determined agre within three percent with those established by the older procedures down to depths of 900 feet of granular snow (Ne've'). First successful measurements through thick sea-borne ice permitted rapid differentiation between land- and water-borne areas. Two hitherto unknown submarine ridges, the bottom contour of a 3 mile wide glacier, a 4 mile wide island, the first detailed sub-surface profile of the sea-ward melt-edge of the floating shelf, 10 miles of previously hidden coastline, and other minor features were discovered. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286070
Entities
People
- Amory H. Jr. Waite
- Stanley J. Schmidt
Organizations
- Army Research Office