475 measurements of depth to ice-cemented ground were taken at 147 sites across four valleys in the high-elevation Quartermain Mountains of Antarctica's Dry Valleys. This data provides high spatial resolution observations of ground ice distribution in a unique cryotic environment. The data set was contributed by AMD_USAPDC and last updated in December 2010.
Use Cases
- Validate models of ice stability and distribution using the measured depth to ice-cemented ground at 147 specific sites.
- Analyze the spatial distribution of ground ice by comparing measurements across University Valley, Farnell Valley, and two unnamed valleys.
- Study the relationship between high-elevation, dry-cold climatic conditions and the thickness of the active layer plus dry permafrost layer.
- Characterize the type of ground ice present in the Beacon Valley area based on the qualitative and quantitative depth measurements.
Strengths
- 475 individual depth measurements across 147 distinct sites.
- High spatial resolution data focused on four specific valleys in the Quartermain Mountains.
Limitations
- Data is temporally stale, with the last update occurring in 2010.
- Geographic scope is limited to four valleys in a specific Antarctic mountain range, limiting generalizability.
- Rows and sample size are unknown, preventing assessment of statistical power.
Provenance
- Source
- AMD_USAPDC via NASA Earthdata.
- Collection Method
- Field survey measurements of depth to ice-cemented ground.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- University Valley, Farnell Valley, and two unnamed valleys north of University Valley in the Quartermain Mountains, Beacon Valley area, Dry Valleys, Antarctica.