Radar Investigations of Antarctic Ice Stream Margins, Siple Dome, 1998
Summary
This data set consists of surface-based radar measurements, including geometry of the bed, surface, and internal layers, and bed reflectivity measurements at two sites along ice stream margins at Siple Dome, Antarctica. The research is a radar examination of bed reflection characteristics and internal layer geometry in two inter-ice-stream ridges, the Shabtaie Ridge (Ridge D/E) and the Engelhardt Ridge (Ridge B/C), and across margins with the adjacent ice streams, the MacAyeal Ice Stream (Ice Stream E) and the Whillans Ice Stream (Ice Stream B). Investigators collected these radar data from 14 November through 13 December 1998.
Data are in Microsoft Word, PDF, ASCII text, MATLAB, binary, and various image formats. Investigators have also provided code for MATLAB routines that they used to view the radar data. Data are available via FTP.
Citing These Data
Nereson, N. A., and C. F. Raymond. 2007. Radar investigations of Antarctic ice stream margins, Siple Dome, 1998. Boulder, Colorado USA: National Snow and Ice Data Center. http://dx.doi.org/10.7265/N52B8VZP.
The following example shows how to cite the use of this data set in a publication. For more information, see our Use and Copyright Web page.
Overview Table
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Data format | Microsoft Word, PDF, ASCII text, MATLAB, binary, and various image formats |
| Spatial coverage and resolution | Southernmost Latitude: 83.3528° S Northernmost Latitude: 80.1678° S Westernmost Longitude: 141.6722° W Easternmost Longitude: 138.3697° W Elevation Range: 322.703 m - 560.816 m |
| Temporal coverage and resolution | 14 November through 13 December 1998; 2 MHz |
| Tools for accessing data | MATLAB, IDL, ENVI, XV, Ghostview, ImageMagick |
| File sizes | File size range: 1 KB - 15.7 MB Data set volume: 519 MB |
| Parameters | Internal layer geometry, bed reflection, differential GPS |
| Procedures for obtaining data | Data are available via FTP. |
Table of Contents
1. Contacts and Acknowledgments
2. Detailed Data Description
3. Data Access and Tools
4. Data Acquisition and Processing
5. References and Related Publications
6. Document Information
1. Contacts and Acknowledgments
Investigators
Nadine A. Nereson
Department of Earth and Space Sciences
Box 35130
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-1310 USA
Charles F. Raymond
Department of Earth and Space Sciences
Box 35130
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-1310 USA
Technical Contact
NSIDC User Services
National Snow and Ice Data Center
CIRES, 449 UCB
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0449 USA
phone: +1 303.492.6199
fax: +1 303.492.2468
form: Contact NSIDC User Services
e-mail: nsidc@nsidc.org
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) grant 9725882 awarded to Charles Raymond.
2. Detailed Data Description
Formats
| Format/Type | Extensions |
| Portable Document Format | |
| Microsoft Word | .doc |
| ASCII text | .txt, .log, .dat |
| MATLAB data and code | .m, .mat |
| Radar data | .dsf, .rad, .rd3 |
| C code | .c |
| Paint Shop profile | .psc |
| Binary field data | .fld, .bas |
| Corel Draw file | .cor |
| PostScript files | .ps, .psf, .epsi |
| Island Draw file | .idr |
| Executable files | .exe |
See Software and Tools for information on available data viewing software.
File and Directory Structure
The following table describes the structure of the higher level data directories only. See investigator-provided documentation Radar Investigations of Ice Stream Margins: Digital Data.
| Directory /Subdirectory |
File Name | Description |
| Ridges_Data_Explanation.doc | Investigator-provided overview of the data product, Radar Investigations of Ice Stream Margins: Digital Data | |
| DATA_REPORT |
|
|
| datareport.pdf | Investigator-provided report titled Radar Investigations of Ice Stream Margins: Data Report by Nadine Nereson and Charles Raymond in PDF | |
| datareport.ps | Report in postscript format | |
| /Figures | High resolution PS images of all radio echo sounding profiles | |
| GPR | ||
| /bmargin | GPR data from the Whillans Ice Stream (Ice Stream B) margin | |
| /emargin | GPR data from the MacAyeal Ice Stream (Ice Stream E) margin | |
| /sdm | GPR data from the Siple Dome | |
| METHODS | ||
| RESDataAnalysisHowTo.pdf | Investigator-provided how-to documentation describing data reduction methods | |
| /CODE | Routines for converting raw binary data from the recording system to MATLAB-readable files and basic MATLAB script for a variety of purposes | |
| RIDGE_BC_1998 | ||
| /data | Raw data and MATLAB files (.mat) | |
| /docs | Field log to explain the raw data and other documentation See RidgeBC_Files.doc for an investigator-provided description of the RIDGE_BC_1998 subdirectory. |
|
| /GPS | Static and kinematic processed GPS data from the cross-dome profiles | |
| /matlab_scripts | MATLAB script files to load and plot the data | |
| /plots | Postscript versions of the plots and also the associated MATLAB files (.m and .mat) that can be used to automatically regenerate the plot | |
| /RBC_LayerModel | Layer model files | |
| /satellite_images | Annotated AVHRR images that show the ridges, ice streams, and the radar profiles | |
| RIDGE_DE_1998 | ||
| /data | Raw data and MATLAB files (.mat) and data measured by Garmin GPS receivers | |
| /docs | Field logs to explain the raw data and other documentation See RidgeDE_Files.doc for an investigator-provided description of the RIDGE_DE_1998 subdirectory. |
|
| /GPS | Static and kinematic processed GPS data from the cross-dome profiles | |
| /Layer_Model | Layer model files | |
| /matlab_scripts | MATLAB script files to load and plot the data | |
| /plots | Postscript versions of the plots and also the associated MATLAB files (.m and .mat) that can be used to automatically regenerate the plot | |
| /satellite_images | Annotated AVHRR images that show the ridges, ice streams, and the radar profiles |
Spatial Coverage
Southernmost Latitude: 83.3528° S
Northernmost Latitude: 80.1678° S
Westernmost Longitude: 141.6722° W
Easternmost Longitude: 138.3697° W
Elevation Range: 322.703 m - 560.816 m
Spatial Resolution
Investigators collected radar data every 5 meters for profiles across the ice steam shear margins and approximately every 30 meters for profiles on the inter-ice-stream ridges.
Temporal Coverage
Investigators collected data from 14 November through 13 December 1998.
Temporal Resolution
Investigators collected radar data at 2 MHz.
Parameter or Variable
Investigators examined bed reflection and internal layer geometry by collecting GPR data. They also collected supplementary differential GPS data.
Quality Assessment
Because the airwave signal swamps the first 1 µs of the data record, the first step in data processing is to remove the mean waveform from the profile to remove the airwave effect and reveal shallow layer information in the first 1 µs. Since the GPS data have not been fully processed, absolute error in vertical elevation could be as large as 50 m, so the displayed elevation scales for the radar profiles should be considered approximate. The profiles displayed in images are based on data files that have been subjected to demeaning and filtering and would therefore not be appropriate for any analyses directed toward accurate assessment of amplitude and phase without careful consideration.
3. Data Access and Tools
Data Access
Data are available via FTP.
Volume
The entire data set is 519 MB.
Software and Tools
MATLAB, IDL, ENVI, XV, Ghostview, and ImageMagick are some of the possible tools for viewing the radar data. Investigators have provided the codes used to view the data in MATLAB. Visit GPR IDL Tools for more information on viewing radar data with IDL software tools.
Visit MALA GeoScience, which is the manufacturer of the radar system that the investigators used, for information on additional software available for viewing the radar data.
Related Data Collections
- Compilation of Antarctic Radar Data, Siple Coast, 2000-2002
- GPR and GPS Data: Characteristics of Snow Megadunes and their Potential Effects on Ice Core Interpretation
- Ice Motion and Topography Near Margin Areas of Kamb Ice Stream, Antarctica
- Ice Thickness and Internal Layer Depth Along the 2001 and 2002 US ITASE Traverses
- Siple Dome Glaciology and Ice Stream History 1994, 1996
- US International Trans Antarctic Scientific Expedition (US ITASE): GPR Profiles and Accumulation Mapping
4. Data Acquisition and Processing
Instrument Description and Acquisition Methods
This data set includes radar profiles from within the ice and its base and surface elevation profiles. Investigators collected radar data every 5 meters for profiles across the ice stream shear margins and approximately every 20 meters for profiles on the inter-ice stream ridges using 2 MHz antennae. The recording system was centered on a Tektonix TDS410 digital oscilloscope. Investigators used Garmin GPS100 SRVYII receivers to report differential GPS data.
Derivation Techniques and Algorithms
An overview of the methods that the investigators used to collect and reduce the data is available on the University of Washington's Glaciology Group Web site, http://www.geophys.washington.edu/Surface/Glaciology/PROJECTS/radar/. A copy of this documentation, RESDataAnalysisHowTo.pdf, is provided with the data in the METHODS directory. Routines for converting the raw binary data from the recording system to MATLAB-readable files and other miscellaneous MATLAB scripts are provided in the CODE subdirectory of the METHODS directory.
Processing Steps
Detailed processing information can be found in the investigator-provided documentation, datareport.pdf, that is included with the data.
5. References and Related Publications
Fisher, A. M., R. W. Jacobel, N. M. Sundell, and A. M. Gades 1995. Bedrock topography and internal stratigraphy of the Siple Dome summit. EOS, Transactions 76, F194.
Gades, A. M., C. F. Raymond, H. Conway, and R. W. Jacobel. 2000. Bed properties of Siple Dome and adjacent ice streams, West Antarctica, inferred from radio echo-sounding measurements. Journal of Glaciology 46, 88-94.
Jacobel, R., T. Scambos, C. Raymond, and A. Gades. 1996. Changes in the configuration of Ice Stream flow from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Journal of Geophysical Research 101, 5499-5504.
Jacobel, R. W., T. A. Scambos, N. A. Nereson, and C. Raymond. 2000. Changes in the margin of Ice Stream C, Antarctica. Journal of Glaciology 46, 102-110.
Jacobson, H. P., and C. F. Raymond. 1998. Thermal effects on the location of ice stream margins. Journal of Geophysical Research 103, 12,111-12,122.
Nereson, N. A. 2000. Elevation of ice stream margin scars after stagnation. Journal of Glaciology 46, 111-118.
Nereson, N. A., and C. F. Raymond 1995. The geometry and stratigraphy of Siple Dome and implications for its history. EOS, Transactions 76.
Nereson, N. A., C. F. Raymond, R. W. Jacobel, and E. D. Waddington. 1997. The history of the spatial accumulation pattern at Siple Dome, West Antarctica, from radar measurements. EOS Transactions, 1997 Fall Meeting Supplement 78, F252.
Nereson, N. A., C. F. Raymond, E. D. Waddington, and R. W. Jacobel. 1998. Migration of the Siple Dome ice divide, West Antarctica. Journal of Glaciology 44 , 643-652.
Raymond, C., N. Nereson, A. Gades, H. Conway, R. Jacobel, and T. Scambos. 1995. Geometry and stratigraphy of Siple Dome, Antarctica. Antarctic Journal of the United States, 1995 Review 30, 91-93.
Scambos, T., and N. Nereson. 1995. Satellite image and GPS study of the morphology of Siple Dome, Antarctica. Antarctic Journal of the United States, 1995 Review 30, 87-89.
6. Document Information
Acronyms and Abbreviations
The following acronyms and abbreviations are used in this document.
| ASCII | American Standard Code for Information Interchange |
| AVHRR | Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer |
| ENVI | Environment for Visualizing Images |
| FTP | File Transfer Protocol |
| GPR | Ground Penetrating Radar |
| GPS | Global Positioning System |
| IDL | Interactive Data Language |
| NSF | National Science Foundation |
| NSIDC | National Snow and Ice Data Center |
| OPP | Office of Polar Programs |
| Portable Document Format | |
| PS | Postscript file |
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator |
Document Creation Date
July 2007
Document URL
http://nsidc.org/data/docs/agdc/nsidc0303_nereson/index.html
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