Rawer

Radar development for wide-angle measurements to characterise ice rheology

15/03/2026 to 15/08/2029

The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica play a key role in the Earth system, particularly through their influence on ocean circulation. Current models generally treat ice as an isotropic viscous fluid, although its rheology is strongly affected by anisotropic crystal structures. This anisotropy influences ice streams and the interpretation of ice core records.

The aim of the project is to quantify the anisotropic component of ice rheology using novel wide-angle radar measurements. To achieve this, a phase-coherent ground-based radar system with large antenna separations and wireless synchronization will be developed, capable of capturing both weak internal and strong basal reflections.

By combining technical innovation with glaciological application, the project will enable a more accurate characterization of ice texture and its coupling with ice flow. In the long term, the system opens new perspectives for glaciology and other areas of geophysics in the context of climate change.