CLIMAP 18k bp Surface Configuration Data

The CLIMAP (Climate: Long-Range Investigation, Mapping, and Prediction) Project was funded by the National Science Foundation as part of the International Decade of Ocean Exploration (IDOE). The CLIMAP Surface Configuration Data Set was compiled by Oregon State University, and contains raw data for certain Climatic boundary conditions during the last glacial maximum, and for the present which were used by CLIMAP staff for computation of albedo, reconstructions, and comparisons. Data types include sea surface temperature, elevation, bathymetry, vegetation, soil, relief type, and the following as percent of grid cell: water, exposed soil, glacial ice, and vegetation. Seasons (February and August) are noted.

This data base contains raw data for certain climatic boundary conditions (e.g. sea surface temperature) during the Last Glacial Maximum and equivalent data for the present. The mean estimated date for the Last Glacial Maximum is 18,000 Years BP. The data have been used by CLIMAP project members for a reconstruction of glacial conditions and comparison with present conditions. See References for further information.