A Compact, Reconfigurable, Multi-UWB Radar for Snow Thickness Evaluation and Altimetry: Development and Field Trials

We developed a portable ultra-wideband radar system capable of reconfigurable operation in multiple frequency bands (separate or simultaneous) spanning from microwaves through millimeter waves. The instrument provides compact solution for fine-resolution measurements elevation changes and superficial snow/firn thickness low-altitude, mid-sized airborne platforms. In this article, we provide an overview the design its performance during laboratory testing. demonstrate application aerial surveys snow layer at S/C bands, dual-band altimetry Ku-/Ka-bands, present first-order comparisons with coincident lidar data.