Retrieval of Dielectric Properties of Soft Materials Using a Low Cost FMCW 24 GHz Radar: Investigating its Use as Snowpack Density Profiler

Monitoring the internal structure of the snowpack is crucial for managing snow-related hazards such as snow avalanches and snowmelt floods. Recently, the availability of low cost, low power and low-profile frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radars at 24 GHz has grown thanks to its potential use the automotive sector. This paper proposes the use of a compact and low-cost FMCW radar as an instrument for improving the study of the snowpack, delivering Snow Density and Liquid Water Content in a fast way. The radar is intended to be used as a snowpit instrument, creating density and Liquid water content (LWC) snow profiles and trying to overcome the customary density cutters (slower and operator-dependent). The theoretical equations of the principle are presented and a preliminary validation by means of a laboratory test is done using dry snow mimicking material, providing encouraging results.