Regional Conference on Permafrost 2021 and the 19th International Conference on Cold Regions Engineering
Estimating Sub-Surface Snow Density Using GPR and the Surface Reflection Method
Publication: Permafrost 2021: Merging Permafrost Science and Cold Regions Engineering
ABSTRACT
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.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research was only possible with logistical support provided by the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
REFERENCES
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Permafrost 2021: Merging Permafrost Science and Cold Regions Engineering
Pages: 227 - 232
Editor: Jon Zufelt, Ph.D., HDR Alaska
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8358-9
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Oct 21, 2021
Published in print: Oct 21, 2021
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