U7c: Active-Layer Thickness Measurements from the CALM Network in Alaska

Active-layer thickness data collected near Deadhorse, Alaska as part of the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) network. The dataset represents the only coordinated and standardized program of observations using standard measurement protocols designed to detect decadal changes in seasonal thawing and freezing in high-latitude soils. The data was provided by the organization SCIOPS and last updated on NASA EarthData in November 2010.

Use Cases

• Modeling permafrost thaw dynamics based on active-layer thickness measurements.
• Detecting decadal changes in seasonal soil freezing and thawing based on standardized observations.
• Analyzing spatial variability in active-layer thickness across a network of 168 sites.
• Validating remote sensing or climate model outputs for high-latitude soil processes.

Strengths

• Data is from a standardized, coordinated program designed for decadal change detection.
• Observations follow standard measurement protocols across the network.
• The network consists of 168 sites, providing spatial coverage.

Limitations

• Last updated 2010-11-23 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

nasa_earthdata

Collection Method

Field measurements collected under the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) network using standard protocols.

Time Range

Decadal observations, specific years not stated.

Freshness

Last updated 2010-11 23:59:59.999000

Geography

Near Deadhorse, Alaska, USA.