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Seismicity at glaciers, ice sheets, and ice shelves provides observational constraint on a number of glaciological processes. Detecting and locating this seismicity, specifically icequakes, is a necessary first step in studying processes such as basal slip, crevassing, imaging ice fabric, and iceberg calving, for example. Most glacier deployments to date use conventional seismic networks, comprised of seismometers distributed over the entire area of interest. However, smaller-aperture seismic arrays can also be used, which are typically sensitive to seismicity distal from the array footprint and require a smaller number of instruments. Here, we investigate the potential of arrays and array-processing methods to detect and locate subsurface microseismicity at glaciers, benchmarking performance against conventional seismic-network-based methods for an example at an Antarctic ice stream. We also provide an array-processing recipe for body-wave cryoseismology applications. Results from an array and a network deployed at Rutford Ice Stream, Antarctica, show that arrays and networks both have strengths and weaknesses. Arrays can detect icequakes from further distances, whereas networks outperform arrays in more comprehensive studies of a particular process due to greater hypocentral constraint within the network extent. We also gain new insights into seismic behaviour at the Rutford Ice Stream. The array detects basal icequakes in what was previously interpreted to be an aseismic region of the bed, as well as new icequake observations downstream and at the ice stream shear margins, where it would be challenging to deploy instruments. Finally, we make some practical recommendations for future array deployments at glaciers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismicity at glaciers, ice sheets and ice shelves provides observational constraint of a number of glaciological processes. Detecting and locating this seismicity, specifically icequakes, is a necessary first step in studying processes such as basal slip, crevassing, and imaging ice fabric, for example. Most glacier deployments to date use conventional seismic networks, comprised of seismometers distributed over the entire area of interest. However, smaller aperture seismic arrays can also be used, which are typically sensitive to seismicity distal from the array footprint and require a smaller number of instruments. Here, we investigate the potential of arrays and array-processing methods to detect and locate seismicity in the cryosphere, benchmarking performance against conventional seismic network-based methods. We also provide an array-processing recipe for cryosphere applications. Results from an array and network deployed at Rutford Ice Stream, Antarctica, show that arrays and networks both have strengths and weaknesses. Arrays can detect icequakes from further distances whereas networks outperform arrays for more comprehensive studies of a process within the network extent, due to greater hypocentral constraint and a smaller magnitude of completeness. We also gain new insights into seismic behaviour at Rutford Ice Stream. The array detects basal icequakes in what was previously interpreted to be an aseismic region of the bed, as well as new icequake observations at the ice stream shear-margins, where it would be challenging to deploy instruments. Finally, we make some practical recommendations for future array deployments at glaciers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firn densification profiles are an important parameter for ice‐sheet mass balance and palaeoclimate studies. One conventional method of investigating firn profiles is using seismic refraction surveys, but these are difficult to upscale to large‐area measurements. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) presents an opportunity for large‐scale seismic measurements of firn with dense spatial sampling and easy deployment, especially when seismic noise is used. We study the feasibility of seismic noise interferometry (SI) on DAS data for characterizing the firn layer at the Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica. Dominant seismic energy appears to come from anthropogenic noise and shear‐margin crevasses. The DAS cross‐correlation interferometry yields noisy Rayleigh wave signals. To overcome this, we present two strategies for cross‐correlations: (a) hybrid instruments—correlating a geophone with DAS, and (b) stacking of selected cross‐correlation panels picked in the tau‐p domain. These approaches are validated with results derived from an active survey. Using the retrieved Rayleigh wave dispersion curve, we inverted for a high‐resolution 1D S‐wave velocity profile down to a depth of 100 m. The profile shows a "kink" (velocity gradient inflection) at ∼12 m depth, resulting from a change of compaction mechanism. A triangular DAS array is used to investigate directional variation in velocity, which shows no evident variations thus suggesting a lack of azimuthal anisotropy in the firn. Our results demonstrate the potential of using DAS and SI to image the near‐surface and present a new approach to derive S‐velocity profiles from surface wave inversion in firn studies. Plain Language Summary: The density distribution (density change with depth) over tens of meters at the top of a glacier is an important feature of ice‐sheet mass balance and palaeoclimate research. It can be estimated using the empirical relationship between density and seismic P‐wave velocity. The P‐wave velocity can be measured using a seismic refraction survey with geophones and active sources. However, refraction seismic surveys are expensive for measurements over large areas. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optic cables to detect seismic waves is an emerging dense spatial sampling seismic acquisition technology. It can be used in conjunction with seismic noise cross‐correlation to make large‐scale measurements easier and cheaper than with conventional geophones. We investigate the feasibility of this approach on Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica, and propose two approaches to improve DAS seismic‐noise cross‐correlation results. Surface waves are retrieved by seismic noise cross‐correlation and are used to estimate the S‐wave velocity structure. Our S‐velocity profile resembles an independently measured P‐velocity in‐shape and presents a velocity gradient inflection—related to changes in the snow compaction mechanism. We show that DAS and seismic noise interferometry can be used for future firn measurements, but also more generally in studies of the near‐surface. Key Points: Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is used for the first time to derive the S‐wave velocity structure and anisotropy of the firn layer in AntarcticaDAS seismic interferograms are greatly improved through selective stacking and cross‐correlation with a geophoneOur method is suitable for large‐scale measurements and is feasible in the presence of ice lenses where refraction methods are inadequate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of sea-level rise predictions is highly dependent on reliably understanding the subglacial environment beneath ice streams. Bedforms result from the interaction between ice and its substrate, and therefore have the potential to shed light on poorly understood basal conditions influencing ice dynamics. However, theoretical models of bedform formation are often based on observations from deglaciated areas or from sparsely-sampled geophysical surveys over glaciated regions. Here, we use high-resolution three- and two-dimensional radar and seismic data to reveal details of the initiation and evolution of a subglacial bedform beneath Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica. Radar surveys at 20 m and 50 m line spacing allow detailed imaging of bed topography, including a moat up to 55 m deep, surrounding the upstream end of a 50-m high and >18-km long bedform. Many models rely on either a topographical or a locally resistant seed point to initiate bedform formation. The bedform described here is mostly composed of soft sediment (porosity >0.3) and lacks a boulder or outcrop, suggesting the bedform initiated without a topographic seed point. Sediment at the upstream end of bedforms appears stiffer over a distance of 2.3 km. We suggest sediment inhomogeneities in the initially flat bed cause the deposition of sediment, which, assuming resistant enough, acts as a seed point for bedform extension and moat erosion. The moat's geometry and its truncation of other bedforms suggest that it was eroded after the deposition of surrounding bedforms. These observations from a modern ice stream deliver information of subglacial processes involved in the initiation as well as in situ high-resolution topography and properties of bedforms and moats. Using these observations numerical models can be tested and developed accordingly. • Evidence for a bedform initiating without pre-existing topographic perturbations. • A moat around an elongated bedform revealed from high-resolution radar data. • Constraints of bedform formation mechanism from a modern ice stream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal properties beneath ice streams and glaciers are known to be a control for ice flow dynamics, hence knowledge of them is crucial for predicting sea level due to changes in glacial dynamics. Basal properties, processes and topography also drive the formation of subglacial landforms. Bed properties beneath Rutford Ice Stream (West Antarctica) have previously been described using seismic acoustic impedance measurements at a sparse spatial coverage. Here, we derive bed properties in a 15 × 17 km grid of surface radar data with coverage and sampling much higher than previous seismic studies. Bed reflection amplitudes in surface radar data were calibrated using sediment porosities (ranging from 0.4–0.5) derived from seismic acoustic impedance. We find the bed properties are spatially variable, consisting of low porosity material in some areas and soft sediment in other areas. Comparison of seismic and surface radar data imply the low porosity material to be a consolidated sediment or sedimentary rock. Mega‐scale glacial lineations (MSGLs) are ubiquitous on the bed and consist of soft, high porosity, probably deforming sediment, consistent with previous interpretations of MSGLs. We find some MSGLs have high reflectivity on their crest, interpreted as water bodies overlying high porosity sediment, whereas the trough around and the upstream end of some landforms consist of low porosity material. Integrating these different observations, we place constraints on possible explanations for the occurrence of water on the crest of landforms. Plain Language Summary: Physical properties of rocks and sediments as well as the presence of water beneath ice streams and glaciers control the flow of the ice. Understanding glacial flow is important to better constrain predictions of sea‐level changes. Within this study we present physical properties of material beneath Rutford Ice Stream in West Antarctica over a 15 × 17 km area. Our data show areas of high porosity interpreted as wet sediment and areas of low porosity beneath the ∼2 km thick ice stream. Ice movement above areas of soft sediment is assumed to be maintained by sediment deformation, whereas in areas overlain by low porosity material, sliding of the ice over this material is assumed to maintain flow. The topography beneath Rutford Ice Stream shows many elongated landforms, some over 14 km long. We show that these landforms partly consist of soft sediment. Some of these seem to have a water layer on their crest, but it is not well understood why. However, there might be variations in the sediment composition of the landforms enabling the creation of this water layer. The occurrence of materials with different properties and water show us how heterogenous the bed beneath ice streams can be, which is important for modeling ice stream motion. Key Points: Glacier bed properties (water content, porosity) are constrained using surface radar data calibrated with seismic acoustic impedanceResults show sequences of low porosity material (consolidated sediment or rock), soft sediment and free‐water beneath Rutford Ice StreamMega‐scale glacial lineations are pervasive beneath ice streams, some with a free water layer >10 km long and 100 m wide along their crest [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subglacial water plays an important role in ice sheet dynamics and stability. Subglacial lakes are often located at the onset of ice streams and have been hypothesised to enhance ice flow downstream by lubricating the ice–bed interface. The most recent subglacial-lake inventory of Antarctica mapped nearly 400 lakes, of which ∼ 14 % are found in West Antarctica. Despite the potential importance of subglacial water for ice dynamics, there is a lack of detailed subglacial-water characterisation in West Antarctica. Using radio-echo sounding data, we analyse the ice–bed interface to detect subglacial lakes. We report 33 previously uncharted subglacial lakes and present a systematic analysis of their physical properties. This represents a ∼ 40 % increase in subglacial lakes in West Antarctica. Additionally, a new digital elevation model of basal topography of the Ellsworth Subglacial Highlands was built and used to create a hydropotential model to simulate the subglacial hydrological network. This allows us to characterise basal hydrology, determine subglacial water catchments and assess their connectivity. We show that the simulated subglacial hydrological catchments of the Rutford Ice Stream, Pine Island Glacier and Thwaites Glacier do not correspond to their ice surface catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections of sea-level rise contributions from West Antarctica's dynamically thinning ice streams contain high uncertainty because some of the key processes involved are extremely challenging to observe. An especially poorly observed parameter is sub-decadal stability of ice-stream beds, which may be important for subglacial traction, till continuity and landform development. Only two previous studies have made repeated geophysical measurements of ice-stream beds at the same locations in different years, but both studies were limited in spatial extent. Here, we present the results from repeat radar measurements of the bed of Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, conducted 3-6 years apart, along a cumulative ~60 km of profiles. Analysis of the correlation of bed picks between repeat surveys shows that 90% of the bed displays no significant change despite the glacier increasing in speed by up to 40% over the last decade. We attribute the negligible detection of morphological change at the bed of Pine Island Glacier to the ubiquitous presence of a deforming till layer, wherein sediment transport is in steady state, such that sediment is transported along the basal interface without inducing morphological change to the radarsounded basal interface. Given the precision of our measurements, the upper limit of subglacial erosion observed here is 500mma-1, far exceeding erosion rates reported for glacial settings from proglacial sediment yields, but substantially below subglacial erosion rates of 1.0ma-1 previously reported from repeat geophysical surveys in West Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]