UHF and L-Band Microwave Measurements of the Antarctic Firn-Layer Complex Permittivity Depth Profile

In order to characterize the complex permittivity depth profile of the firn constituting the Antarctic ice sheet, a microwave probe, based on the open-coaxial re-entrant cavity method, is designed, realized and then used during an Antarctic campaign. Preliminary results of the measurements of firn permittivity depth profile, are presented and discussed highlighting very good agreement with expected values.