Estimating Sub-Surface Snow Density Using GPR and the Surface Reflection Method

Adrian McCallum

doi:10.1061/9780784483589.021

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Estimating Sub-Surface Snow Density Using GPR and the Surface Reflection Method

Conference paper

Peer reviewed

Estimating Sub-Surface Snow Density Using GPR and the Surface Reflection Method

Adrian McCallum

Proceedings of the Regional Conference on Permafrost 2021 and the 19th International Conference on Cold Regions Engineering, 232

Regional Conference on Permafrost 2021 and the 19th International Conference on Cold Regions Engineering (Virtual, 24-Oct-2021–29-Oct-2021)

American Society of Civil Engineers

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483589.021

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Abstract

antennas

geological surveys

geophysical prospecting

plate metal

snow

air-coupled

alpine snow

ground penetrating radar antennas

layer thickness

road pavements

snow density

snow layer

sub-surfaces

surface reflection methods

surface snow

ground penetrating radar systems

The surface reflection method is a popular method of determining layer dielectrics in road pavements. Previous research has also applied this technique to snow to estimate surface snow density. Here, this method is extended to estimate sub-surface snow density and layer thicknesses. An air-coupled 800 MHz ground penetrating radar (GPR) antenna was used to image alpine snow, and comparison was made with an ideal reflector, a metal plate. Quantitative analysis of the GPR trace and application of the surface reflection technique allowed sub-surface snow density and surface layer thickness to be resolved. Although discrimination of second layer thickness was poor, this technique introduces a simple method by which surface and sub-surface snow layer density and thickness could be rapidly estimated over large spatial areas.

Details

Title: Estimating Sub-Surface Snow Density Using GPR and the Surface Reflection Method
Authors: Adrian McCallum (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Publication details: Proceedings of the Regional Conference on Permafrost 2021 and the 19th International Conference on Cold Regions Engineering, 232; 227
Conference details: Regional Conference on Permafrost 2021 and the 19th International Conference on Cold Regions Engineering (Virtual, 24-Oct-2021–29-Oct-2021)
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1061/9780784483589.021; 10.1061/9780784483589
Organisation Unit: Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Cancer Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99585806702621
Output Type: Conference paper

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