Strong spatial variability of snow accumulation observed with helicopter-borne GPR on two adjacent Alpine glaciers

摘要: The spatial distribution of snow accumulation plays an essential role for the mass balancedistribution on alpine glaciers. Traditional point measurements (snow pits and-probes) are labour intensive and interpolation in-between points causes uncertainties.Airborne radar have already been used mapping innon-glacierized terrain, but not Alpine To enhance our understanding ofthe pin down reasons observed variations,we conducted high-resolution helicopter-borne temperatedglacier Findel neighbouring Adler Glacier in southwestern Switzerland.The sensor was mounted underneath a helicopter operated at centre frequencyof 500 MHz with bandwidth 400 MHz. results were validated withextensive ground-based profiling cover. data allows clearrecognition cover (6% total profile length 10 km did allowinterpretation due to missing or disturbed layering) agreed well groundbased (R2 = 0.85). Reduced has allcrevassed zones. Statistical analysis correlation between accumulationand terrain characteristics performed GIS environment, revealing differingaccumulation patterns: On lower part showsa clear altitudinal trend, while upper is dominated by strongly varying snowdepth without trend. characteristic Glacieris similar Glacier, despite their close vicinity, accumulationis reduced 40% compared same elevation Glacier. Thisstudy reveals large potential ofaccumulation