A Reassessment of the In-Situ Dielectric Constant of Polar Firn
Abstract
The success in using VHF and UHF frequency systems for sounding polar ice sheets has been tempered by an uncertainty in the in-situ dielectric constant Epsilon' which controls the effective velocity V sub e of an electromagnetic wave propagating in an air-ice mixture. An empirical equation for determining Epsilon' vs. density (specific gravity, p) was proposed in 1968 by Robin et al. where Epsilon'=(1 + 0.851 rho)sq. However, this expression has met with uncertainty because wide-angle radar refraction sounding techniques have produced values of Epsilon' that are lower than Robin's equation predicts. This report discusses radar soundings made on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and compares the resulting Epsilon' values with Robin's equation, laboratory measurements on firn and ice and other expressions given in the literature for determining Epsilon'vs. the specific gravity of dry firn and ice. Our findings indicate that the form of Robin's equation is valid. However, our analysis also indicates the expression could be slightly improved to read Epsilon' = (1 + 0. 845 rho)sq. Reasons are suggested as to why previous wide-angle radar sounding studies did not reproduce Robin's findings. Glaciology, Antarctica, Firn, Ice shelves, Dielectric constant, Glacial sounding Radio echo sounding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA276999
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Gow
- Austin Kovacs
- Rexford M. Morey
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory