South Polar in situ radio-frequency ice attenuation

We have determined the in situ electric field attenuation length L α (defined as the length over which the signal amplitude diminishes by a factor 1/ e ) for radio-frequency signals broadcast vertically through South Polar ice and reflected off the underlying bed. Conservatively assuming a bedrock field reflectivity for f = 380 MHz, and T = –50°C; the errors incorporate uncertainties in R . This value is consistent with previous estimates that the radiofrequency attenuation length exceeds the attenuation length at optical frequencies by an order of magnitude.