Ice penetration depth estimation from super-resolution SAR tomography

Abstract

In this paper a quantitative analysis of the penetration depth of P-band SAR signal into ice subsurface is addressed. Penetration depth is estimated from tomographic SAR acquisitions relative to ESA IceSAR 2012 campaign. In particular, an area in the ablation zone of South-West Greenland is investigated, retrieving the penetration depth with superresolution spectral techniques. Biasing due to the space-varying vertical resolution over the scene is accounted for. Data from opposite-side views are processed in order to obtain penetration maps of the area to be compared. Consistent penetration depth maps of about 20-30 m are obtained from both views, proving the validity of SAR tomography as an effective tool for mapping information about subsurface ice structure.