Automated Detection and Categorization of Antarctic Basal Units Using Radar Sounding Data: Demonstration in Institute Ice Stream, West Antarctica

Basal units - visibly distinct structures near the ice-bed interface - warrant investigation for a number of reasons. Many are of unknown composition and origin, characteristics which could provide substantial insight into basal processes and ice sheet history. Their significance, moreover, is not limited to near-bed depths; these units can affect the morphology of the entire surrounding ice column.

In order to enable improved characterization of these features, we develop and apply an algorithm that allows for the automatic detection of basal units. We use a tunable layer-optimized SAR processor to distinguish the structures from the bedrock, englacial layers, and ice sheet surface, resulting in an approach that can not only detect basal units, but can also locate all of the aforementioned ice sheet features. We also discuss the relation between the basal units' echo character - specifically, how they respond to our processor - and their composition. As such, we introduce a technique that can simultaneously detect these structures and place constraints on their provenance.