Applying Spaceborne GNSS-R to Map Ice Shelf Surface Properties

This study utilizes Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) to map the surface of the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. Spaceborne GNSS-R is a relatively new method for cryosphere applications and utilizes reflected GNSS signals of opportunity collected on a platform in low-Earth orbit, allowing for widespread data coverage with better temporal resolution than conventional remote sensing technologies. Coherency of the reflected signal, computed using phase-based circular statistics, can be used as a proxy for surface roughness. Using 25819 Spire Global grazing angle reflectometry tracks, we generate a high-resolution map of coherency over the Ross Ice Shelf. This technique shows promise for identifying regions with similar surface characteristics and deformation history, as well as for detecting the ice shelf/sea ice border, large rifts, and flow lines.