A Multi-Channel Depth- Sounding Radar with an Improved Power Amplifier

The Multi-Channel Coherent Radar D e p t h S o u n d e r (MCoRDS) system was developed by the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) at the University of Kansas to map the thickness and underlying bed elevation for glaciers in Antarctica on the NASA Operation Ice Bridge (OIB) mission. Scientists believe that the lubricating effect of liquid water at the bed-ice interface will significantly increase the glacial flow resulting in more ice being discharged into the ocean. Bed elevation that is below sea level is particularly susceptible to this effect. Therefore, to better predict the future movement of ice sheets in Antarctica, scientists and modellers need to know the current elevations and topography of the bed beneath several outlet glaciers in Antarctica. The MCoRDS system, flown on the NASA DC-8, was designed to sound these glaciers capturing the surface and bed echoes from both low and high altitude flights. The ice thickness can be obtained from these measurements and, in conjunction with altimeter data, the bed elevation can be determined allowing modellers and scientists to better understand the current status of these glaciers, as well as, identifying those at risk of increasing in velocity.