Layer optimized SAR processing and slope estimation in radar sounder data

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Davide Castelletti, Dustin M. Schroeder, Elisa Mantelli, Andrew Hilger
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press 2019
• Subjects: Radio-echo sounding; ice dynamics; remote sensing; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Meteorology. Climatology; QC851-999; West Antarctica; Greenland; Institute Ice Stream; Antarc*; Antarctica; glacier; Ice Sheet; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2019.72; https://doaj.org/article/937b12754570474481a6dca5d27481ba

Englacial layers in Antarctica and Greenland are indicators of the dynamic, rheological and subglacial configuration of the ice sheets. Airborne radar sounder data is the primary remote sensing solution for directly observing englacial layers and structures at the glacier-catchment to ice-sheet scale. However, when traditional along-track synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing is applied, steep layers can disappear, limiting the detectability and interpretability of englacial layer geometry. This study provides a reconstruction algorithm to address the problem of destructive phase interference during the radargram formation. We develop and apply a novel SAR processor optimized for layer detection that enhances the Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) of specular reflectors. The algorithm also enables the automatic estimation of layer slope. We demonstrate the algorithm using data acquired at the Institute Ice Stream, West Antarctica.