Ground-penetrating radar, helicopter EM bird surveys, and in-situ measurements characterize snow layers, ice thickness, and surface roughness near Ross Island. Data collection focused on validating satellite radar measurements across the McMurdo Ice Shelf and Sound. The work was conducted by SCIOPS from 2009 to 2012, with a significant update in 2011 for sea ice studies.
Use Cases
- Validate satellite radar measurements of snow and ice using ground-penetrating radar profiles of snow layer thickness and ice thickness.
- Analyze spatial variability in snow accumulation near Ross Island using stake measurements and GPR data over a one-year period.
- Model sea ice thickness and sub-ice platelet layer dynamics using HEM bird grid data and in-situ drilling measurements along transects.
- Correlate surface roughness of land ice snow with laser ranger and UAV data to improve altimetry interpretations.
- Investigate the response of sea ice to tidal forces using GPS station data collected at three locations.
Strengths
- Multi-year temporal coverage from 2009 to 2012, with intensive 2011 sea ice campaign.
- Multi-instrument validation combining ground-penetrating radar, helicopter EM bird, drilling, and stake measurements.
- Spatial coverage includes multiple transects and a grid across McMurdo Sound and Ice Shelf.
Limitations
- Specific row counts, column details, and sample sizes for measurements are not provided.
- Geographic scope is limited to the Ross Island and McMurdo Sound region of Antarctica.
- Data collection concluded in 2012, so findings may not reflect current ice conditions.
Provenance
- Source
- SCIOPS, accessed via NASA Earthdata.
- Collection Method
- Field measurements using ground-penetrating radar, helicopter EM bird, ice drilling, snow pits, stakes, laser ranger, UAV, and GPS stations.
- Time Range
- 2009 to 2012, with a focused campaign in 2011.
- Freshness
- Last updated in December 2011; no stated update frequency.
- Geography
- McMurdo Ice Shelf, Ross Island, and McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.