Antarctic Ice Stream Dynamics from Legacy GPS and Seismic Data

A multi-decadal collection of legacy field data from Antarctic ice streams, primarily from Whillans Ice Stream in West Antarctica. The dataset includes 13 years of continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) data and 29 years of seismic data, reprocessed by a research team using modern geophysical methods. This NSF-funded CAREER project, managed by AMD_USAPDC, aims to investigate ice-stream stagnation processes and support educational outreach.

Use Cases

• Analyze long-term ice-thickening trends and spatial variations using GPS-derived elevation data.
• Model stick-slip motion evolution of the Whillans Ice Stream from continuous GPS time-series.
• Investigate subglacial lake activity and its coupling with ice-stream dynamics using seismic data.
• Test hypotheses about ice-stream stagnation driven by subglacial-hydrology changes using the multi-decadal observation series.

Strengths

• Includes 13 years of continuous GPS data providing detailed kinematic records.
• Leverages 29 years of seismic data for subglacial process analysis.
• Data originates from five different NSF-funded projects, offering a multi-source perspective.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column details, and sample sizes are not provided.
• Data is described as 'legacy' and 're-processed', which may introduce inconsistencies with original collection methods.
• Geographic scope is limited primarily to the Whillans Ice Stream region of West Antarctica.

Provenance

Source

NSF-funded field experiments in Antarctica, managed by AMD_USAPDC.

Collection Method

Field-collected GPS and seismic data, reprocessed with modern geophysical techniques.

Time Range

Covers at least 29 years (seismic data) and 13 continuous years (GPS data).

Freshness

Project data is scheduled for archival until 2027-07-31, but the underlying observations cover past decades.

Geography

Primarily Whillans Ice Stream, West Antarctica.