1990s ice surface elevation and thickness data cover a portion of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the Southeastern Ross Embayment. The data were derived from laser altimetry and radar sounding results collected during the CASERTZ aerogeophysical experiments. These surveys were conducted to understand geological controls on ice streams and assess ice sheet stability.
Use Cases
- Modeling ice sheet volume and potential sea-level contribution using ice thickness and surface elevation measurements.
- Analyzing the relationship between subglacial bed topography (inferred from surface elevation and thickness) and ice stream flow patterns.
- Calibrating and validating satellite-derived altimetry data with in-situ laser and radar measurements from the 1990s.
- Studying long-term changes in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet by comparing this historical geophysical survey data with modern observations.
Strengths
- Data originates from a dedicated, focused aerogeophysical survey campaign (CASERTZ).
- Combines two complementary measurement techniques: laser altimetry for surface elevation and radar sounding for ice thickness.
Limitations
- Data is from the 1990s and may not reflect current ice conditions.
- Spatial coverage is limited to a specific corridor in the Southeastern Ross Embayment, West Antarctica.
- Specific sample size, resolution, and error metrics for the derived data points are unknown.
Provenance
- Source
- Corridor Aerogeophysics of the Southeastern Ross Transect Zone (CASERTZ) experiments.
- Collection Method
- Derived from laser altimetry and radar sounding results collected via airborne surveys.
- Time Range
- 1990s
- Freshness
- Data collection concluded in the 1990s; last metadata update recorded in 1996.
- Geography
- Southeastern Ross Embayment, West Antarctic Ice Sheet.