Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3025
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3025
06 Nov 2024
 | 06 Nov 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

High frequency broadband acoustic systems as a tool for high latitude glacial fjord research

Elizabeth Weidner, Grant Deane, Arnaud Le Boyer, Matthew H. Alford, Hari Vishnu, Mandar Chitre, M. Dale Stokes, Oskar Głowacki, Hayden Johnson, and Fiammetta Straneo

Abstract. High frequency broadband echosounders enable the monitoring of complex dynamics, through rapid collection of high resolution, near-synoptic observations of the water column and quantitative geophysical measurements. Here, we demonstrate the applicability and utility of broadband active acoustics systems to improve observational capabilities in high latitude glaciate fjords. These isolated and challenging field locations are a critical environment, linking the terminal end of terrestrial ice sheets to the broader ocean, undergoing complex changes due to accelerated high-latitude warming trends. Using broadband (160–240 kHz) acoustic data, collected in tandem with ground truth measurement from a CTD and microstructure probe, in Hornsund fjord in southwest Svalbard we address three crucial topics: 1) variability of the thermohaline structure and mixing across different temporal and spatial scales, 2) identification and characterization of processes in play at dangerous glacier terminus, and 3) remote estimation of dissipation rates associated with mixing. Through these analyses, we illustrate the potential of broadband echosounders as a relatively low-cost, low-effort addition to experimental field kits, well suited for field deployment in high-latitude fjords where observations are limited by length of season and generally challenging conditions.

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Elizabeth Weidner, Grant Deane, Arnaud Le Boyer, Matthew H. Alford, Hari Vishnu, Mandar Chitre, M. Dale Stokes, Oskar Głowacki, Hayden Johnson, and Fiammetta Straneo

Status: open (until 10 Jan 2025)

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Elizabeth Weidner, Grant Deane, Arnaud Le Boyer, Matthew H. Alford, Hari Vishnu, Mandar Chitre, M. Dale Stokes, Oskar Głowacki, Hayden Johnson, and Fiammetta Straneo
Elizabeth Weidner, Grant Deane, Arnaud Le Boyer, Matthew H. Alford, Hari Vishnu, Mandar Chitre, M. Dale Stokes, Oskar Głowacki, Hayden Johnson, and Fiammetta Straneo

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Short summary
Tidewater glaciers play a central role in polar dynamics, but their study is limited by harsh and isolated conditions. Here, we introduce broadband echosounders as an tool for the study of high latitude fjords through the rapid collection of calibrated high resolution, near-synoptic observations. Using a data set collected in Hornsund fjord we illustrate the potential of broadband echosounders as a relatively low-cost, low-effort tool, well suited for field deployment in high-latitude fjords.