Monitoring the In Situ Nonlinear Elasticity Near the Dalk Glacier Area, Antarctica, Using Dense Seismic Arrays

Abstract Monitoring disturbances in the subsurface medium of Antarctic glaciers and their connection to environmental changes is crucial for addressing sea level rise due to glacier melting. This study utilizes ambient noise data collected by dense seismic arrays deployed near Dalk Glacier in East Antarctica during the 36th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition. Using coda wave interferometry, we measured in situ nonlinear elasticity (relative velocity changes, dv/v) and observed hysteresis loop characteristics consistent with laboratory experiments. Our results demonstrate delayed dv/v responses to environmental forcing, with short‐term variations independent of atmospheric pressure. Semi‐diurnal dv/v variations are controlled by tidal strain, humidity, and ice melt dynamics, while sensitivity to melt rate exceeds the response to total melt volume. This cost‐effective, high‐resolution monitoring technique complements existing methods for monitoring mass changes in the Antarctic ice sheet, aiding in the detection and understanding of low‐amplitude precursors to the systemic imbalances of glaciers.