Results of an experimental radar survey on the gornergletscher glacier system (Zwillingsgletscher), Valais, Switzerland

Abstract

A 775-m 200-MHz GPR traverse was surveyed in July 2009 over a portion of the Zwillingsgletscher branch of the Gornergletscher System, Valais, Switzerland. The survey line was approximately parallel to the glacial flow direction and situated in an area of prominent wave ogive formation. The traverse shows a well-developed pattern of scattering that is strongly folded into apparent troughs and ridges with the ridges commencing at 10-20 m depth. This pattern mimics the expected ogive structure. The origin of the scattering has not yet been confirmed, but is possibly related to an onset of warmer ice or to variations in rock or sediment content.