Determination of the density in a Svalbard ice core using digital photos

• Main Authors: Sjögren, Björn, Brandt, O., Nuth, C., Isaksson, E., Pohjola, V., Kohler, J., van de Wal, R.S.W.
• Other Authors: Marine and Atmospheric Research, Dep Natuurkunde
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: Svalbard; ice core
• Online Access: https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/42736

This study presents a simple and inexpensive method for deriving a high-resolution density proxy record for the firn part of an ice core using digital images. The image data have better resolution and are less sensitive to core quality than is density derived through dielectric profiling (DEP). Simple image analysis is thus suitable to derive a density proxy record in the firn section of ice cores drilled in the percolation or wet snow zone, and to better interpret the results of a DEP record. The images may be used as a permanent record when evaluating other types of ice-core data. Suggestions are provided to improve data quality and decrease post-processing time of the image analysis in future studies.