Antarctic Ice Boundaries and Velocity Maps from Satellite Radar

2007-2009 maps detail Antarctic ice shelves, basins, coastlines, grounding lines, and ice velocity. This dataset is part of NASA's MEaSUREs program and synthesizes data from JAXA ALOS PALSAR, ESA ENVISAT ASAR, InSAR grounding lines, and the Bedmap-2 DEM. It provides a foundational record for the International Polar Year period.

Use Cases

• Analyzing grounding line positions for ice sheet stability studies.
• Mapping ice shelf extents and coastlines for cartographic updates.
• Incorporating ice velocity data into glacier flow and mass balance models.
• Delineating Antarctic drainage basins for hydrological and glaciological analysis.

Strengths

• Integrates multiple authoritative data sources, including MEaSUREs ice velocity and grounding line products.
• Provides a spatially complete map of key Antarctic features for the International Polar Year 2007-2009 period.
• Created under NASA's MEaSUREs program, ensuring research-grade standards.

Limitations

• Core observational data is from 2007-2009, limiting analysis of recent changes.
• Specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not provided on the listed platforms.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates (2015 on NASA EarthData vs. 2026 on Data.gov) create uncertainty about metadata maintenance.

Provenance

Source

NASA MEaSUREs program, National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC).

Collection Method

Assembled from satellite radar data (ALOS PALSAR, ENVISAT ASAR), InSAR-based grounding lines, ice velocity maps, and the Bedmap-2 digital elevation model.

Time Range

2007-2009

Freshness

2026-03-13 20:17:54.963145

Geography

Antarctica