Quad-polarimetric radar measurements autonomously obtained with an ice-rover at Ekström Ice Shelf, East Antarctica

<p>Acquisition of quad-polarimetric radar data on ice sheets gives insights about the ice-fabric variability with depth and consequently can deliver essential constraints on the spatially variable ice rheology. Polarimetric measurements are collected manually in most ground-based surveys, discretely sampling a limited profile range. Measurements are time-intensive and often do not cover critical areas such as shear zones where field safety is a concern. Autonomous rovers can provide an alternative that optimizes for time, sampling resolution and safety. &#160;</p><p>Here, we present an autonomous acquisition technique of quad-polarimetric radar data using a rover. This technique is based on a previous layout that has proven its capacity to navigate in various snow conditions but did not yet actively trigger the geophysical instruments attached. We upgraded the rover with a novel Robotic Operating System (ROS2) that interfaces simultaneously with a real-time positioning GPS and an automatic phase-sensitive radio-echo sounder (ApRES) with multiple transmitters multiple receivers. Like this, the rover can autonomously steer to pre-destined waypoints and then take static measurements at those locations also in areas where field safety might be compromised. We demonstrate this proof-of-concept on the Ekstr&#246;m Ice Shelf Antarctica, where we acquired densely spaced polarimetric radar data measurements. The rover&#8217;s operating system offers many opportunities for other measurement principles, e.g., densely spaced co-polarized data suitable for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing.</p>