Two cloud-free digital image maps show mean surface morphology and optical snow grain size across Antarctica and surrounding islands. The data was created by the NASA EOS Aqua and Terra satellites' MODIS instruments, using 260 orbit swaths for the 2003/2004 morphology and grain size maps, and 122 swaths for a 2003 grain size map. The primary acquisition period was from November 2003 to February 2004.
Use Cases
- Analyzing spatial patterns of optical snow grain size across the Antarctic continent to study snow metamorphosis.
- Mapping mean surface morphology features to identify and monitor glacial flow patterns and ice sheet structures.
- Using the provided coastline, grounding line, and island vector datasets to georeference and mask the image maps for regional studies.
- Comparing the 2003 grain size image map with the 2003/2004 composite to assess seasonal changes in snow properties.
Strengths
- Cloud-free composite imagery from 260 MODIS orbit swaths for the primary 2003/2004 maps.
- Includes quantitative data on optical snow grain size, a key cryospheric variable.
- Provides supplementary vector datasets for coastlines, grounding lines, and islands.
Limitations
- Data is from a single season (2003-2004), limiting analysis of long-term trends.
- Spatial resolution is constrained by the MODIS sensor capabilities, which may not capture fine-scale features.
- The dataset's age (over 20 years) makes it less suitable for studying recent changes in Antarctic surface conditions.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA EOS Aqua and Terra satellites' Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments.
- Collection Method
- Mosaic created from multiple cloud-free orbit swaths acquired by satellite sensors.
- Time Range
- Primary acquisition: 20 November 2003 to 29 February 2004. Additional swaths: 1 November 2003 to 17 December 2003.
- Freshness
- Data acquisition ended on 2004-02-29; no ongoing updates.
- Geography
- Antarctic continent and surrounding islands.