McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER: Glacier snow densities in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica from 1993 to present

As part of the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, a systematic sampling program has been undertaken to monitor glacial mass balance and meltwater flow. This data package includes snow density measurements determined at each stake with snow present on glaciers in Taylor Valley (Canada, Commonwealth, Howard, and Taylor) and Miers Valley (Adams), all of which are located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Included here for each stake are the snow thickness and density for each layer and the average density for each pit. Most measurements began during the 93-94 field season. Adams measurements were established during the 14-15 field season. Measurements are ongoing. Monitoring the changes in these measurements over time provides a record of mass balance, and aids in determining the role of glaciers in the polar hydrologic cycle.

作为南极洲麦克默多干谷长期生态研究（Long Term Ecological Research, LTER）项目的组成部分，本项目已开展系统性采样工作，用于监测冰川物质平衡与融水径流。本数据集涵盖泰勒谷（加拿大冰川、英联邦冰川、霍华德冰川、泰勒冰川）及迈尔斯谷（亚当斯冰川）内所有覆雪冰川各观测桩处测得的积雪密度数据，上述冰川均位于南极洲麦克默多干谷区域。各观测桩对应的各层积雪厚度、密度以及每个雪坑的平均密度均已纳入本数据集。绝大多数观测始于1993-1994年野外作业季，亚当斯冰川的观测则于2014-2015年野外作业季启动，目前观测工作仍在持续进行。对上述观测数据的时序变化进行监测，可获取冰川物质平衡记录，并有助于明晰冰川在极地水文循环中的作用。