Lake level surveys in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (1968-2025, ongoing)

This data package contains lake level measurements from multiple lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, collected seasonally as part of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long Term Ecological Research (MCM LTER) program. Measurements were obtained manually using optical leveling techniques relative to established local benchmarks. Locations include Lake Fryxell, Lake Hoare, and the east lobe of Lake Bonney in Taylor Valley; Lake Vanda and Don Juan Pond in Wright Valley; Lake Vida in Victoria Valley; Lake Miers in Miers Valley; and Lake House and Lake Joyce in Pearse Valley. These long-term data provide valuable context for understanding lake level dynamics and hydrologic change in this polar desert ecosystem.