Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) determined surface-wave velocity profile and its relation to observation of the near-surface polar firn layers.

Abstract

A Multichannel Analysis of Surface-Waves (MASW) determined shear-wave (Vs) profile was related to observations of the near-surface polar firn layers on the Erebus Ice Shelf, Ross Island, Antarctica. The surface-wave method (MASW) provides a useful non-invasive tool where information about elastic properties of near-surface polar firn can be effectively obtained. It is not clear at this point if the method can directly determine density variations of the firn without further correlative P-wave or poisons ratio information. The Vs profile obtained shows a general increase in velocity with increasing depth, from 600 m/s at the surface to 1400 m/s at a depth of 12 m. The results indicate that further experiments are likely to yield useful data on the elastic properties of whole firn zone. Recommendations are made regarding equipment set up for further surveys carried out on the Erebus Ice Shelf.