Identifying isochrones in GPR profiles from DEP-based forward modeling

Isochronic continuous horizons between 20 and 90 in depth in a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profile, recorded in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, are identified by comparison of synthetic and measured single radar traces. The measured radar-gram is derived from a stacked GPR profile; the synthetic radargram is computed by convolution of the complex reflection coefficient profile, based on dielectric profiling (DEP) data of a 150 m ice core, with a depth-invariant wavelet. It reproduces prominent reflections of the measured radargram to a considerable degree. Analyzing matching peaks in both radargrams enables us to identify isochronic reflections and transfer individual volcanic-event datings to the GPR profile. Reflections are primarily caused by changes in permittivity; changes in conductivity are of minor importance. However, several peaks in permittivity and conductivity show a good correlation and indicate that some reflections are related to acidic layers. The results demonstrate the possibility of reproducing radargrams from ice-core property profiles, a necessary step for the interpretation of remotely sensed radar data and the general significance of connecting ice-core and radar data for correct interpretations. Problems related to forward modeling, data gaps, origin of permittivity peaks, and GPR profiles used for comparison, are discussed.