This data set contains the complete grain-size data for all analyses conducted on the vertical thin sections of the WAIS Divide Ice Core WDC06A. Complete grain-size distributions are provided here in order to address the shortcomings inherent in using only the mean values.
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Grain Size Full Population Dataset from WDC06A Core, Version 1
Geographic Coverage
Spatial Coverage: |
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Spatial Resolution: |
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Temporal Coverage: |
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Temporal Resolution: | Not specified |
Parameter(s): |
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Platform(s) | Laboratory |
Sensor(s): | DSLR |
Data Format(s): |
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Version: | V1 |
Data Contributor(s): | Joan Fitzpatrick, Eric Cravens |
Metadata XML: | View Metadata Record |
Data Citation
As a condition of using these data, you must cite the use of this data set using the following citation. For more information, see our Use and Copyright Web page.
Fitzpatrick, J. and E. D. Cravens. 2016. Grain Size Full Population Dataset from WDC06A Core, Version 1. [Indicate subset used]. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7265/N5VX0DG0. [Date Accessed].Literature Citation
As a condition of using these data, we request that you acknowledge the author(s) of this data set by referencing the following peer-reviewed publication.
Fitzpatrick, J. et al. 2014. Physical properties of the WAIS Divide ice core, Journal of Glaciology. 60. 1181-1198. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/2014JoG14J100
Detailed Data Description
This data set contains the complete grain-size data for all analyses conducted on the vertical thin sections of the WAIS Divide Ice Core WDC06A. Complete grain-size distributions are provided here in order to address the shortcomings inherent in using only the mean values.
The data are in Microsoft Excel format (.xlsx).
Data are available on the FTP site in the ftp://sidads.colorado.edu/pub/DATASETS/AGDC/nsidc0655_fitzpatrick directory. Within this directory, there is one file, WDC 06A Grain Size Populations.xlsx. The data file consists of two worksheets: "Area in mm2"and "Equivalent Diameter in mm". Both worksheets have a column for each sample, and both worksheets consist of 171 columns and 2,849 rows. Not all columns have values in all rows.
The data file is 5 MB.
The WDC06A ice core was extracted at the WAIS Divide, Antarctica at 79.28° S and 112.05°.
Spatial Resolution
Spatial resolution is every 20 m along the sample core from 120 m to 3405 m.
Temporal coverage for the data is 1 January 2008 to 30 August 2013.
The parameter for the data set is grain size.
Sample Data Record


Software and Tools
The data are available via FTP.
To view the data, use Microsoft Excel.
Data Acquisition and Processing
The WAIS (West Antarctic Ice Sheet) Divide ice core was recovered over five drilling seasons in West Antarctica from 2007/08 to 2011/12, with an additional replicate coring season in 2012/13. The drillhole was completed to a total depth of 3405 m at the end of the 2011/12 season. The WAIS Divide main core was processed to completion over the course of four summer processing lines in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012 at the US National Ice Core Laboratory, Denver, Colorado.
Processing Steps
The vertical thin sections (VTS) were examined using a Nikon D90 DSLR camera at 20 m intervals along the ice core, starting at 120 m to 3405 m. Using PhotoshopTM and Fovea ProTM, personnel assembled images extracted the grain mesh for each VTS.
References and Related Publications
Contacts and Acknowledgments
Dr. Joan J. Fitzpatrick
U. S. Geological Survey
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
P.O. Box 25046, DFC, MS 980
Lakewood, CO 80225 U. S. A.
Eric D. Cravens
U. S. Geological Survey
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
P.O. Box 25046, DFC, MS 980
Lakewood, CO 80225 U. S. A.
This research was supported by NSF Division of Polar Programs (PLR) Grant Number 0539578 and the U. S. Geological Survey Climate and Land Use Change Program.
Document Information
DOCUMENT CREATION DATE
15 February 2016
DOCUMENT REVISION DATE
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