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Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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APPENDIX B

Data Sets Survey

RESPONSES TO THE COMMITTEE'S SURVEY

To gather input from the polar science community, the committee developed a questionnaire1 on the strengths and weaknesses in the current data system (the questionnaire follows at the end of this appendix). Scientists were asked to characterize their research in terms of scientific and regional foci. This was followed by a list of polar geophysical data sets from NASA and non-NASA sources that respondents could mark if they used them in their research. The final four questions dealt with satisfaction issues.

The committee received 109 responses from a variety of university, governmental, and private industry institutions. Foreign respondents numbered 22. The number of scientists who identified their research focus as exclusively Arctic was 48, exclusively Antarctic 20, and global 41. The latter category generally denoted those with both Arctic and Antarctic interests (there were few responses from those who study more temperate regions).

Although the survey provided six categories of research focus, a large number of respondents chose “other.” Many of these would have marked


1 Although the survey provided useful information, it should not be considered a statistically rigorous study. Its availability was widely announced, but participants were self-selected. The information was used in a general way to help the committee form its conclusions and recommendations.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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more than one research category, if that option had been allowed. Others were in categories that were not listed (e.g., hydrology). The committee's response was to create several new research focus categories that better reflect the disciplines of most respondents who marked “other.” Multiple choices were also allowed. The resulting breakdown of research foci in Table B-1.

“Sea ice or ocean” researchers were the most frequent respondents, more than double the next category. “Ice sheets or sea level” researchers were the second most frequent respondents. These category names are somewhat misleading, however, since very few oceanographers responded to this survey. This begs the question, “Where do high latitude oceanographers seek support?” The answer is in a variety of global and other programs. This may serve to enhance cross-latitude oceanography at NASA, but it also limits cross-disciplinary research in the polar community. An example of this situation is the lack of coherent surface-temperature data sets that include open water and other surfaces (i.e., ice, snow, land).

Table B-2 shows the breakdown of “types of research data sets used” by the survey respondents, broken down by whether they use only NASA data sets or some combination of data supplied by NASA and others. These two lists are fairly similar, perhaps showing that NASA is generally

TABLE B-1 Areas of Primary Research Focus as Indicated by Survey Respondents

Research Focus

Number of Respondents

Sea ice/ocean

41

Ice sheets/sea level

20

Terrestrial—physics, hydrology, and land-atmosphere linkages

13

Terrestrial—biology and biogeochemistry

9

Terrestrial—physical and biology

4

Other

6

Atmospheric circulation, planetary boundary layers, climate, and upper air studies

3

Clouds/radiation

3

Sea ice/oceans, atmospheric circulation etc.

3

Sea ice/oceans and terrestrial—biology

2

Glaciers

2

Snow cover

2

Sea ice/oceans and terrestrial—physics

1

TOTAL

109

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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TABLE B-2 Types of Data Most Commonly Used by Survey Respondents

NASA and Non-NASA

 

NASA Only

 

Types of Data

Number of Respondents

Types of Data

Number of Respondents

Atmospheric

185

Sea Ice

81

Sea Ice

131

Atmospheric

51

Radiance and Backscatter

82

Radiance and Backscatter

37

Imagery (Visible and IR)

78

Imagery (Visible and IR)

24

Ice Sheet

63

Vegetation

15

Snow Cover

56

Ocean

16

Ocean

48

Ice Sheet

14

Vegetation

38

Snow Cover

13

Glaciers

21

Glacier

11

Hydrology

18

Hydrology

7

responding equitably to data needs by discipline, although there are some specific gaps and deficiencies to be discussed elsewhere in this report. Also note that the frequency of research foci ( Table B-1) is not in general the same as the frequency of data sets used ( Table B-2). For example, one of the most frequently used type of data is atmospheric, although relatively few respondents identified themselves as meteorologists. This shows how some types of data sets can easily cross disciplines. It may also identify the potential underuse of data, for example, by global-scale atmospheric scientist).

Turning to the final four questions, the respondents were generally positive about the current data system. The ASF and especially the NSIDC were complimented on the quality of their service. NSIDC was singled out for its simple, easy-to-use Web site, and for its willingness to provide data by Internet before a final CD was published.

About 25 percent of the respondents had negative comments. These fell into two broad categories: inadequate publication of available data sets and difficulty of access or use of data sets. Those who were simply unaware of existing data sets were more frequently (but not exclusively) new to the field or from more isolated institutional environments; however, even experienced researchers had problems. Some of these problems could be relieved by more extensive linking of data set Web sites. Several responses were from heavy users of the NSDIC and the ASF who did not know that these were DAACs. Perhaps the heavy reliance on acronyms and other NASA jargon can discourage and thus limit usage of data sets.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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In the survey responses, it appeared that a broad spectrum of users (including DAAC employees) experienced data access problems. Even experienced researchers noted some difficulty with the formatting of data. Insufficient documentation of individual data sets was also noted as a problem by some survey respondents, in regards to time and space resolution, data format, and sensor information. Similar concern was expressed about insufficient overview guidance for DAAC holdings, which is standard information that typically should appear on or near the main home page. Recommendations for NASA data set providers to help improve the utility of existing data sets are included in Chapter 5. Opportunities for improvement lie in the areas of links to other related data sites, outreach to more aggressively publicize activities and holdings, improvements in access through better documentation, and opportunities for community feedback and information exchange, such as via Web bulletin boards.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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Page 115

QUESTIONNAIRE

Under the auspices of The National Academies' Polar Research Board and at the request of NASA, a committee is reviewing the strategy, scope, and quality of existing polar geophysical data-sets and suggesting ways to improve future products. The committee's charge and a list of its members can be seen here. As part of this effort, the committee is seeking input from scientists who use these types of data-sets, whether those produced by NASA or others with similar purposes. The committee will keep your comments confidential, so we appreciate your frankness in describing the strengths and weaknesses of current data-sets and dissemination strategies.

Name:

Affiliation:

Brief description of your research (1-2 Sentences):

    1. Which of the following scales best describes your research:

    • Arctic

    • Antarctic

    • Global

    2. Which of the following areas best describes the focus of your research:

    • Sea Ice/Oceans

    • Ice Sheets/Sea Level

    • Clouds/Radiation

    • Terrestrial—Biology and Biogeochemistry Related

    • Terrestrial—Physics and Land-Atmosphere Linkages

    • Other—please specify:

    3. What NASA geophysical data-sets and products relevant to polar regions do you use in your research and for what purposes? What other geophysical data-sets (e.g., global, international, or other U.S. sources) do you use and for what purposes? Please mark the following checklist and note the specific products you use in the text boxes provided.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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Page 116

Sea Ice

Concentration

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Ice Type

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Ice Motion

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Other

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Snow Cover

Areal Average

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Water Equivalent

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Albedo

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Other

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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Page 117

Ice Sheet

Elevation (Altimeter data)

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Surface Meteorology

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Ice Core Data

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Other

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Glacier Data

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Atmospheric Data

Cloudiness

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Radiative Fluxes

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Surface Temperature

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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Page 118

Precipitation

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Temperature Profiles

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Moisture Profiles

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Other

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Ocean Data

SST

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Color

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Other

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Hydrology

Streamflow/Runoff

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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Soil Moisture

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Vegetation Data

Vegetation Classification

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Indicies of Biomass

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Indicies of Absorbed Radiation

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Albedo

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Other

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Miscellaneous (other uses)

Microwave Radiances

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Radar Backscatter (SAR or Altimetry)

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
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Visible Satellite Imagery

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


IR Satellite Imagery

  • NASA

  • Other

  • What specific product?


4. If you are not using NASA data-sets or don't find these useful, please explain why:


5. If you do use NASA data-sets, how do you judge the quality of the data and the ease of access for obtaining the data? Please note any specific problems you've encountered or suggestions for improvements.


6. Is there a data-set you wish was available? If so, please describe briefly and why it would be useful to your work.

7. Do you now or have you in the past used a Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) to obtain data? If yes, please note whether request for and receipt of data was satisfactory or if you have suggestions for improvements. If not, why not?

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 111
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 112
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 113
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 114
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 115
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 116
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 117
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 118
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 119
Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Data Sets Survey." National Research Council. 2001. Enhancing NASA's Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10083.
×
Page 120
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The high latitudes of the Arctic and Antarctic, together with some mountainous areas with glaciers and long-lasting snow, are sometimes called the cryosphere-defined as that portion of the planet where water is perennially or seasonally frozen as sea ice, snow cover, permafrost, ice sheets, and glaciers. Variations in the extent and characteristics of surface ice and snow in the high latitudes are of fundamental importance to global climate because of the amount of the sun's radiation that is reflected from these often white surfaces. Thus, the cryosphere is an important frontier for scientists seeking to understand past climate events, current weather, and climate variability. Obtaining the data necessary for such research requires the capability to observe and measure a variety of characteristics and processes exhibited by major ice sheets and large-scale patterns of snow and sea ice extent, and much of these data are gathered using satellites.

As part of its efforts to better support the researchers studying the cryosphere and climate, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-using sophisticated satellite technology-measures a range of variables from atmospheric temperature, cloud properties, and aerosol concentration to ice sheet elevation, snow cover on land, and ocean salinity. These raw data are compiled and processed into products, or data sets, useful to scientists. These so-called "polar geophysical data sets" can then be studied and interpreted to answer questions related to atmosphere and climate, ice sheets, terrestrial systems, sea ice, ocean processes, and many other phenomena in the cryosphere. The goal of this report is to provide a brief review of the strategy, scope, and quality of existing polar geophysical data sets and help NASA find ways to make these products and future polar data sets more useful to researchers, especially those working on the global change questions that lie at the heart of NASA's Earth Science Enterprise.

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