Abstract: The subglacial environment in Antarctica has important effects on the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet. Accurate information on the subglacial environment information will therefore enable more accurate simulation of the evolution of the ice sheet. Currently, radio echo sounding is the most effective technique available to investigate the development of ice sheet. The subglacial environment, in particular the hydrological environment, can be monitored based on bed reflectivity, which is measured by quantitative analysis of the dielectric attenuation of radar waves in the ice sheet. Three methods used to process radar wave attenuation in the ice sheet are reviewed, the applicability and limitations of these methods are analyzed, the subglacial environment is determined using each method, and potential improvements are discussed.

Key words: Antarctic ice sheet, subglacial environment, ice radar, radio attenuation