Automated detection and characterization of Antarctic basal units using radar sounding data: demonstration in Institute Ice Stream, West Antarctica
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Basal units – visibly distinct englacial structures near the ice-bed interface – warrant investigation for a number of reasons. Many are of unknown composition and origin, characteristics that could provide substantial insight into subglacial processes and ice-sheet history. Their significance, moreover, is not limited to near-bed depths; these units appear to dramatically influence the flow of surrounding ice. In order to enable improved characterization of these features, we develop and apply an algorithm that allows for the automatic detection of basal units. We use a tunable layer-optimized SAR processor to distinguish these structures from the bed, isochronous englacial layers and the ice-sheet surface, presenting a conceptual framework for the use of radio-echo character in the identification of ice-sheet features. We also outline a method by which our processor could be used to place observational constraints on basal units’ configuration, composition and provenance.
Date Issued
2020-04-21
Date Acceptance
2020-04-21
Citation
Annals of Glaciology, 2020, 61 (81), pp.242-248
ISSN
0260-3055
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Start Page
242
End Page
248
Journal / Book Title
Annals of Glaciology
Volume
61
Issue
81
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by
Cambridge University Press. This is an Open
Access article, distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution licence
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/),
which permits unrestricted re-use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.
Cambridge University Press. This is an Open
Access article, distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution licence
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/),
which permits unrestricted re-use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.
Sponsor
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
British Council (UK)
Grant Number
NE/K004956/2
GEOG.RE2356
ICECAP-2
Subjects
0401 Atmospheric Sciences
0404 Geophysics
0406 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Stanford University
Date Publish Online
2020-05-21