Anisotropic radar reflection in ice sheets: Potential mechanisms and implications

Introduction Polarimetric ice-penetrating radar measurements aim to retain anisotropic features from within the ice. Recent studies ([1], [2]) in Antarctica showed that especially in deeper ice, the formation of flow induced aligned crystal orientation fabric (COF) can be a main mechanism for a polarization-dependent response in the radar data. As aligned crystal significantly alters the flow behavior of ice, this is an important implication for ice-sheet modeling. In this study we also investigate the effect of anisotropic inclusions (e.g. air bubbles) which may act as strain markers within the ice.