Determination of ice-shelf bottom melting by time-domain reflectometry

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Grosfeld, K., Blindow, N.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1993
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Ronne Ice Shelf; Filchner Ronne Ice Shelf; Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf; Ice Shelf; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000016014; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000016014

Abstract For our work in the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf Programme (FRISP), we have developed a new technique for measuring the bottom-melting rate with high reliability. The method is based on time-domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements of transmission lines inserted into melt holes. The TDR-data are digitally recorded on magnetic tape. System resolution has been estimated at 0.2 m. Hence, re-measuring after 1 year gives an accuracy of 10% for melting rates of 2m a -1 . Two transmission lines for TDR measurements were installed during the German FRIS Expedition 1989–90. This paper describes the design of the system. Examples of recorded wave forms are given.