High-resolution elevation mapping of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, and surrounding regions

• Published in: Earth System Science Data
• Main Authors: A. G. Fountain, J. C. Fernandez-Diaz, M. Obryk, J. Levy, M. Gooseff, D. J. Van Horn, P. Morin, R. Shrestha
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Copernicus Publications 2017
• Subjects: geo; envir; Austral; Cape Evans; Cape Royds; McMurdo Dry Valleys; McMurdo Station; Ross Island; Royds; Scott Base; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-435-2017; https://www.earth-syst-sci-data.net/9/435/2017/essd-9-435-2017.pdf; https://doaj.org/article/930414cc27f5444b8249c8e92616d605

We present detailed surface elevation measurements for the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica derived from aerial lidar surveys flown in the austral summer of 2014–2015 as part of an effort to understand geomorphic changes over the past decade. Lidar return density varied from 2 to > 10 returns m−2 with an average of about 5 returns m−2. Vertical and horizontal accuracies are estimated to be 7 and 3 cm, respectively. In addition to our intended targets, other ad hoc regions were also surveyed including the Pegasus flight facility and two regions on Ross Island, McMurdo Station, Scott Base (and surroundings), and the coastal margin between Cape Royds and Cape Evans. These data are included in this report and data release. The combined data are freely available at https://doi.org/10.5069/G9D50JX3.