Radar Derived Subglacial Properties and Landforms Beneath Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica

Basal properties beneath ice streams and glaciers are known to be a control for flow dynamics, hence knowledge of them is crucial predicting sea level due changes in glacial dynamics. properties, processes topography also drive the formation subglacial landforms. Bed Rutford Ice Stream (West Antarctica) have previously been described using seismic acoustic impedance measurements at sparse spatial coverage. Here, we derive bed 15 × 17 km grid surface radar data with coverage sampling much higher than previous studies. reflection amplitudes were calibrated sediment porosities (ranging from 0.4–0.5) derived impedance. We find spatially variable, consisting low porosity material some areas soft other areas. Comparison imply consolidated or sedimentary rock. Mega-scale lineations (MSGLs) ubiquitous on consist soft, high porosity, probably deforming sediment, consistent interpretations MSGLs. MSGLs reflectivity their crest, interpreted as water bodies overlying whereas trough around upstream end landforms material. Integrating these different observations, place constraints possible explanations occurrence crest