Radar wave anisotropy in sea ice and implications for oil spill detection in and under sea ice

  • E. Babcock
  • , J. Bradford
  • , C. Hall

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Anisotropy in the conductivity structure of sea ice results from the preferential alignment of brine channels in the ice crystal matrix. Attenuation of radar waves traveling within the ice depends on the polarization of the electric field with respect to the orientation of these channels. Here, radar wave data collected over sea ice using 500 MHz antennas demonstrate the effect of conductivity anisotropy on radar wave propagation. Ongoing research has previously demonstrated that ice-penetrating radar can successfully image anomalies associated with thin layers of oil in and under sea ice. This methodology has applications for oil spill remediation in Arctic environments. We use a multi-channel radar system to simultaneously collect radar data in both perpendicular and parallel polarizations relative to a survey line and jointly process the resulting data to minimize the problems caused by the effect of conductivity anisotropy and thereby improve oil detection potential.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 83rd Annual Meeting, SEG 2013
Subtitle of host publicationExpanding Geophysical Frontiers
PublisherSociety of Exploration Geophysicists
Pages4568-4572
Number of pages5
Volume32
ISBN (Print)9781629931883
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 83rd Annual Meeting: Expanding Geophysical Frontiers - Houston, United States
Duration: 22 Sep 201327 Sep 2013

Publication series

NameSEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts
PublisherSociety of Exploration Geophysicists
ISSN (Print)1052-3812

Conference

ConferenceSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 83rd Annual Meeting
Abbreviated titleSEG 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period22/09/1327/09/13

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