Seismic bathymetry surveys of Subglacial Lake CECs, West Antarctica, 2016 and 2022

Subglacial Lake CECs was previously identified using radar profile data. Subglacial Lake CECs lies beneath 2650 m of ice, close to the Ellsworth Mountains at the divide between the Minnesota Glacier and Rutford and Institute Ice Streams in Antarctica. Four seismic reflection profiles were acquired across the lake to determine water column depth and investigate lake bed properties. Shot gathers with 48 channels and a maximum offset of 500 m were recorded. A seismic refraction experiment was undertaken to determine seismic velocities in the firn. Dual frequency and RTK GPS were used to determine shot locations. Seismic surveys indicate a maximum water depth of 301.3 +/- 1.5 m, at the widest part of the lake, with an estimated lake volume of 2.5 +/- 0.3 km3. Imaging of the ice-lake interface indicates topography with slopes of up to 1.9 degrees. This research was supported by the Natural Environment Research Council, British Antarctic Survey (Polar Science for Planet Earth Programme) and Centro de Estudios Cientificos, Valdivia, Chile.