Polar Radar for Ice Sheet Measurements
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Radar Team-Important Aspects of the PRISM Radar
What is Special About This Radar
Using radar to map the bedrock under polar ice poses special challenges.
The radar creates a reflectivity map of the bedrock and the condition of the ice near the bedrock.
The radar is unique because it will map large areas of the bedrock.
Challenges The Radar Team Must Address
The radar signal will be distorted due to refraction.
The radar signal will be weaker in ice than in air.
A mirror-like (specular) wet bedrock surface limits the radar reflectivity in areas of ice streams and glaciers.
Strategies Being Used to Address These Challenges
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) allows more effective focus in ice.
Three frequencies of radar allow more accurate analysis of reflectivity data.
Bistatic radar will partially counteract the specular effect of the water layer on the bedrock.
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