NETE Radar Systems for Ice and Snow Measurements Onboard Manned and Unmanned Aircraft

Abstract

In this paper, we present a brief overview of
the state of the art in radar systems for ice and snow
measurements. Emphasis is given to the instrumentation
developed at the University of Kansas for multi-band data
retrieval at frequencies ranging from 14 MHz to 38 GHz,
which is operated onboard manned and unmanned
aircraft. The information collected with these systems is
used to estimate parameters such as ice thickness, ice
surface and bedrock topography, snow cover thickness on
sea ice, and annual snow accumulation. We give a
summary of recent field programs (including operations
out of Punta Arenas, Chile), present sample results, and
discuss recent collaborations with Chilean institutions.