Interferometric penetration into dry snow and sea ice at Ka-band

Ice sheet topography in Greenland and Antartica and sea ice thickness are integral measurements to quantifying and understanding the impact of climate to the Earth's environment. Multiple sensors, lidars, radars and optical systems have been used to make such measurements. To allow maximal flexibility in making such measurements and to utilize the beneficial characteristics of each measurement type it is essential to understand exactly where within the ice volume each sensor type is making its measurement. This paper examines interferometric radar penetration at Ka-band made by the GLISTIN instrument in the dry snow regions of Greenland and over sea ice in the Beaufort Sea in Alaska.