LiDAR Survey of Tundra Thermokarst in Barrow, Alaska

LiDAR measurements from 2011 depict Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of tundra vegetation within a 20x50 meter grid in Barrow, Alaska. The data was collected by SCIOPS from six distinct sensor positions around the grid, focusing on an area with thermokarst characteristics. The dataset consists of a series of XYZ text files.

Use Cases

• Analyze elevation (Z) and spatial coordinates (X, Y) to model thermokarst feature geometry and depth.
• Compare point cloud data from the six sensor positions to assess measurement consistency and coverage.
• Use the XYZ data to generate high-resolution DEMs for studying micro-topography and vegetation height in the tundra grid.
• Correlate LiDAR-derived elevation changes with seasonal thaw dynamics and ground ice melt.

Strengths

• Data captures a specific 20x50 meter area chosen for its clear thermokarst characteristics.
• Measurements were taken from six different sensor positions, providing multiple perspectives on the target grid.

Limitations

• The dataset is from a single time point (summer 2011), limiting temporal analysis of changes.
• The spatial extent is limited to one 1000 sq meter grid in Barrow, Alaska, reducing generalizability.
• Data is provided as raw XYZ text files without documented preprocessing or quality flags.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

LiDAR equipment was placed in six different positions around a 20x50 meter grid to capture the area of interest.

Time Range

Summer 2011.

Freshness

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Geography

A 20x50 meter grid in Barrow, Alaska.