Ground Truth Measurements for Snow and Sea Ice at the Ice Shelf and Sea Ice of Ross Island, Antarctica.

This data set consists of ground truth measurements for snow and sea ice conducted at the ice shelf (Willies Field) and the sea ice (Cape Armitage, McMurdo Sound and Cape Evans) at Ross Island, Antarctica. Measurements were conducted at 2 points within close proximity for each selected site. The average of both measurements shall be taken as the data for that particular site. The data collected shall be used towards the verification of the accuracy and validity of the inverse models developed for sea ice thickness retrieval through the use of both active and passive microwave remote sensing.
The temperature of the air, snow, sea ice and ocean were taken. The thickness of the snow and sea ice and the salinity of the ocean were measured . Photos of the surface roughness profiles of the snow and sea ice indicated by the self prepared surface roughness profilers were taken. Snow samples were collected using a cylindrical snow corer measuring 11cm in diameter and 4cm in height. The samples were allowed to melt to measure its liquid weight, volume and salinity. Sea ice samples measuring averagely 40cm x 30cm x 8cm were also collected by using a chain saw. The sea ice blocks were later cut into smaller cubes using a Ben-saw, where its dimensions and solid weight were measured. The cubes were then allowed to melt to measure its liquid weight, volume and salinity. The density of both the snow and sea ice were then calculated using the liquid weight and volume obtained. Thin slices of the sea ice were also cut to photograph the bubble and brine distribution. All samples were processed at Scott Base.