The development of the Antarctic ice shelves during the period 1770-1950 based on expedition maps integrates historical data from maps, charts, and logbooks of Antarctic expeditions. The dataset, compiled by SCIOPS, extends the observational record of ice conditions prior to systematic monitoring starting in the 1950s. It focuses on the Weddell Sea and Ross Sea regions, providing a digital GIS-based overview of floating ice edge dynamics.
Use Cases
- Analyzing long-term trends in Antarctic ice shelf extent based on historical expedition records.
- Comparing pre-1950 ice conditions with modern observations based on the integrated GIS dataset.
- Studying the impact of commercial and scientific expeditions on data collection in the Weddell and Ross Seas.
- Modeling historical ice edge dynamics based on information from maps and linked logbook entries.
Strengths
- Extends the observational record of Antarctic ice conditions back to 1770, prior to systematic monitoring.
- Focuses on frequently visited and charted areas like the Weddell Sea and Ross Sea, likely providing denser data.
- Integrates multiple data sources (maps, charts, logbooks) into a unified GIS and database system.
Limitations
- Data is described as 'scattered in time', which may result in incomplete temporal coverage.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Last updated 1950-01-01 23:59:59.999000; freshness should be verified.
Provenance
- Source
- SCIOPS
- Collection Method
- Compiled from historical expedition maps, charts, and logbooks.
- Time Range
- 1770-1950
- Geography
- Antarctica, with focus on Weddell Sea (Ronne and Larsen Ice Shelves) and Ross Sea (Ross Ice Shelf)