Verifying georadar records from permafrost in the Ny-Ålesund area using core data and wavelet modelling
Integration of 2-D and 3-D georadar (or ground penetrating radar, GPR) profiles in permafrost with sedimentological data provides understanding of where georadar reflections are generated in frozen ground. Geophysical and sedimentological data were sampled in the Ny-Ålesund area, Brøgger peninsula, W-Spitsbergen, a place dominated by continuous permafrost at the glacier margins. We acquired parallel single-offset georadar lines, multi-offset measurements to deduce the subground velocity, and a short permafrost core for ground verification. Several stratigraphic properties from the cored frozen sediments are studied; i.e. grain size, ice content, total carbon content, magn. susceptibility, and cation content within the cement ice. The data show that prominent reflections mainly coincide with sediment changes such as in grain size and ice content. A discrete ice layer could be targeted using georadar. Trace modelling has helped to support interpretation of field measurements.
Helmholtz Research Programs > MARCOPOLI (2004-2008) > POL7-From permafrost to deep sea in the Arctic