Retrieval of Near-Surface Ice Sheet Properties Using the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Radiometer Constellation

Recent studies have demonstrated that wideband microwave radiometers provide significant potential for profiling important subsurface properties of ice sheets necessary to understand ice sheet dynamics and predict future changes in ice coverage. Different frequencies within the wide spectra of such radiometers result in different electromagnetic propagation losses, thus reveal characteristics at different depths in ice sheets. This study explores the utilization of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) constellation as a single wideband receiver to profile subsurface properties of ice sheets. Results indicated that intercalibrated GPM brightness temperature measurements over Concordia and Vostok stations in Antarctica can provide information regarding the subsurface temperatures and density properties of snow and ice down to a few tens of meters depth from surface.