ATLAS/ICESat-2 L3A Sea Ice Height V006 provides along-track heights for sea ice and open water leads globally. The data is derived from the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) on the ICESat-2 satellite, processed by the NSIDC_CPRD. The dataset was last updated in March 2025.
Use Cases
- Modeling sea ice thickness by analyzing height statistics relative to the WGS84 ellipsoid.
- Monitoring open water lead dynamics using along-track height data for leads.
- Calibrating other satellite sensors by comparing apparent reflectance values.
- Studying tidal and barometric effects on sea ice elevation from adjusted height fields.
- Tracking temporal changes in sea ice elevation through time-series analysis of along-track data.
Strengths
- Data originates from the ICESat-2 satellite, a dedicated NASA Earth observation mission.
- Heights are adjusted for geoidal variations, tidal effects, and inverted barometer pressure.
- Includes derived statistics and apparent reflectance alongside primary height measurements.
Limitations
- Specific row count, geographic bounds, and temporal coverage range are not provided.
- Unknown if the dataset includes validation against in-situ measurements.
- Data granularity and resolution for leads are unspecified.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA's ICESat-2 satellite ATLAS instrument, processed by NSIDC_CPRD.
- Collection Method
- Satellite laser altimetry measurements from the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS).
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- Last updated March 2025.
- Geography
- Global coverage over sea ice regions.