Ice-Penetrating Radar Data for Glacier Structure and Flow Analysis

EAGER project data originates from a new dual-band ice-penetrating radar system developed by the Center for the Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets. It provides 3D mappings of internal ice layers and bedrock geometry, along with precise measurements of vertical ice displacement. The dataset was last updated in March 2025 and includes initial field tests from the McMurdo Ice Shelf and Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica.

Use Cases

• Estimate ice-sheet geometry and bedrock slip parameters from 3D VHF array mappings of internal layers and ice-sheet base.
• Measure vertical ice velocities with 0.25-mm precision using phase response differences from dual-polarized UHF antenna time-series data.
• Infer ice crystal orientation fabric and map ice viscosity by analyzing complex internal reflections captured by the dual-polarized UHF antenna.
• Calibrate ice-flow models by integrating swath-mapped internal layer geometry with surface velocity observations.

Strengths

• Provides 0.25-mm precision measurements for vertical ice displacement via UHF antenna phase resolution.
• Enables 3D mapping of internal ice layers and bedrock using an eight-element VHF array with cross-track aperture.
• Data collection targets critical glaciers for sea-level rise studies, including Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column details, and dataset size are unknown from the description.
• Initial geographic coverage is limited to specific test sites (McMurdo Ice Shelf, Thwaites Glacier).
• The dataset describes a prototype system, so spatial and temporal coverage may be limited compared to operational missions.

Provenance

Source

Center for the Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets, via NASA Earthdata and AMD_USAPDC.

Collection Method

Data gathered by a new integrated dual-band (VHF/UHF) ice-penetrating radar system flown on aircraft.

Time Range

Field testing initiated in 2025, specific temporal coverage is null.

Freshness

Last updated on 2025-03-31.

Geography

Initial field tests on McMurdo Ice Shelf and Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica.