CReSIS airborne radars and platforms for ice and snow sounding

• Published in: Annals of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Emily Arnold, Carl Leuschen, Fernando Rodriguez-Morales, Jilu Li, John Paden, Richard Hale, Shawn Keshmiri
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press 2020
• Subjects: Airborne electromagnetic soundings; Antarctic glaciology; Arctic glaciology; ice thickness measurements; radio-echo sounding; Meteorology. Climatology; QC851-999; Antarctic; Arctic; Annals of Glaciology; Antarc*; Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS)
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2019.37; https://doaj.org/article/223ddc71a0bc4626bfa7b631716408e4

This paper provides an update and overview of the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) radars and platforms, including representative results from these systems. CReSIS radar systems operate over a frequency range of 14–38 GHz. Each radar system's specific frequency band is driven by the required depth of signal penetration, measurement resolution, allocated frequency spectra, and antenna operating frequencies (often influenced by aircraft integration). We also highlight recent system advancements and future work, including (1) increasing system bandwidth; (2) miniaturizing radar hardware; and (3) increasing sensitivity. For platform development, we are developing smaller, easier to operate and less expensive unmanned aerial systems. Next-generation platforms will further expand accessibility to scientists with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.