Antarctic Sea Ice Physical and Optical Properties from 1989

Data from 1989 measuring the physical structure and optical transmissivity of Antarctic sea ice. The dataset includes depth-dependent profiles of temperature, salinity, density, and heat capacity, alongside measurements of UV and visible light transmission. It was collected by the organization SCIOPS to study the effects of UV radiation on polar ecosystems and seasonal ice changes.

Use Cases

• Modeling solar heating within sea ice based on measured heat capacity and temperature profiles.
• Analyzing the relationship between ice structure (density, brine volume) and its optical transmissivity.
• Separating algal absorption effects from intrinsic ice optical behavior using UV and visible spectrum data.
• Studying seasonal changes in Antarctic sea ice based on its monitored physical and thermal properties.

Strengths

• Includes multiple concurrent physical measurements: temperature, salinity, density, and heat capacity.
• Combines optical data (UV and visible spectrum) with structural ice profiles for integrated analysis.
• Thermal behavior was monitored continuously via a thermistor array at eight depths.

Limitations

• Last updated 1989-12-15 23:59:59.999000; freshness should be verified.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS via NASA Earthdata

Collection Method

Field measurements including thermistor arrays and optical sensors.

Time Range

1989

Freshness

1989-12-15 23:59:59.999000

Geography

Antarctic region