MOA2009 provides two cloud-free digital image maps of the Antarctic continent derived from 260 MODIS satellite orbit swaths. The maps depict mean surface morphology and a quantitative measure of optical snow grain size. The dataset was created by the AMD_USAPDC organization using data from NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites, with a last update in February 2009.
Use Cases
- Analyzing spatial patterns in surface morphology features across the Antarctic continent.
- Correlating the quantitative snow grain size measurement with regional climate variables.
- Validating snow albedo models using the optical snow grain size data.
- Mapping changes in surface features by comparing the MOA2009 morphology layer with other temporal mosaics.
Strengths
- Cloud-free mosaic constructed from 260 individual MODIS orbit swaths.
- Provides two distinct, co-registered data layers: surface morphology and quantitative snow grain size.
Limitations
- Data is from a single snapshot period (2008-2009) and may not reflect current conditions.
- Specific spatial resolution, file formats, and data size are not provided in the description.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA EOS Aqua and Terra satellites' Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments.
- Collection Method
- Mosaic created from 260 selected orbit swaths to achieve a cloud-free composite.
- Time Range
- 2008-2009
- Freshness
- Static dataset from 2009; no update frequency.
- Geography
- Antarctic continent and surrounding islands.