Sea Ice Melt Pond Data

As part of the Seasonal Ice Zone Observing Network (SIZONET) project monitoring the seasonal ice zone, studies were carried out tracking the evolution of albedo and melt pond coverage during the melt season. The data has enabled us to better understand how meltwater interacts with sea ice to control melt pond formation and evolution [Polashenski et al, 2011]. The series of datasets collected in Barrow, AK as part of that project are archived here. The datasets are each collected at a site selected to represent level first year sea ice. Measurements are collected either along a transect (typically 200m long), or over an area adjacent to the transect (typically 100m x 200m). Several data types, including albedo measurements, LiDAR surface measurements, snow/pond depths, and fractional surface coverage are included. Metadata describing each site, as well as describing the methods of data collection can be found on each site's page. 2008 - This site was set up in April 2008 and monitored from 5/28/08 to 6/17/08. The study included only transect measurements. 2009S - This site was set up in April 2009 and monitored from 5/21/09 to 6/25/09. The study area was 70m x 200m in size. 2009N - This site was set up in April 2009 and monitored from 5/19/09 to 6/25/09. The study area was 100m x 200m in size. 2010 - This site was set up in April 2010 and monitored. 2011 - This site was set up in April 2011 and monitored only briefly in early June.