Airborne UHF Radar for Fine Resolution Mapping of Near Surface Accumulation Layers in Greenland and West Antarctica
Issue Date
2010-11-01Author
Lewis, Cameron Scott
Publisher
University of Kansas
Format
158 pages
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
M.S.
Discipline
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Rights
This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The usefulness of accurate, fine resolution accumulation layer measurements over central Greenland and West Antarctica is significant for the improvement of ice sheet models. These models are critical to both global climate models as well as understanding sea level rise. Previously developed accumulation layer radars were used as templates for the current single channel system. Improvements were incorporated including increased output power, increased receiver sensitivity, single antenna operation, and reduced susceptibility to external noise sources. Steps were also taken to reuse previously purchased components to reduce development costs. Externally developed Vivaldi and elliptical dipole antennas were utilized. Collected data shows the system is capable of measuring layering to a depth of nearly 300 m in most dry snow regions of Greenland and West Antarctica with a resolution of ~0.5 m. Future revisions will focus on reducing size and weight, as well as incorporate multiple receive channels to allow for clutter rejection algorithms to be applied; this will allow for viable data collection in percolation and wet snow zone of major ice sheets.
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- Engineering Dissertations and Theses [1055]
- Theses [3901]
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