Snow Algae and Particle Distribution in the Western Antarctic Peninsula

Snow algae blooms and light absorbing particles like black carbon and dust are measured across the Western Antarctic Peninsula to assess their impact on snowmelt and climate. Data collection combines in-situ field measurements, ground-based photos, and high-resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery at 0.5-3m spatial resolution. The project is conducted by AMD_USAPDC and involves partnerships with the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, with data collection ongoing.

Use Cases

• Mapping snow algae bloom extent over time using 0.5-3m spatial resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery.
• Calculating radiative forcing from snow algae and light absorbing particles to assess impacts on regional snow melt.
• Parameterizing snow algae in the Snow Ice Aerosol Radiation model (SNICARv3) to improve bio-albedo feedback simulations.
• Validating remote sensing algorithms for snow algae mapping using a unique snow algae observing network facilitated by cruise ship sampling.

Strengths

• Integrates multi-scale data from in-situ measurements, ground photos, and high-resolution satellite imagery.
• Focuses on a specific, climate-sensitive region: the Western Antarctic Peninsula.
• Aims to produce time-series data for instantaneous and interannual radiative forcing calculations.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column details, and file formats are unknown.
• The dataset's completeness and final structure are pending as the project is ongoing.
• Potential geographic bias as data is concentrated on coastal Antarctic Peninsula areas accessible for sampling.

Provenance

Source

AMD_USAPDC via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Combination of in-situ field measurements, sample collection, ground-based photos, and high-resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery.

Freshness

Project data collection is ongoing, with a last updated date projected for 2026-12-31.

Geography

Western Antarctic Peninsula region.