This compilation of observational data has
Level 2b - Geophysical Variable - Basic Quality Control
The data set has been standardized in the sense that for all cruises the same number of columns exist and that for all parameters without a valid observation a missing value is included.
The data set has been successfully employed in the evaluation of sea-ice products (sea-ice concentration, sea-ice thickness) based on satellite observations.
Users of the data set should note the following:
1) Observations are carried out (usually) by a group of voluntary observers of varying experience and skills. It should be taken into account, therefore, that the same ice conditions might be observed differently by different observers. It is therefore recommended to NOT use this data on a point-by-point basis but, for instance, as an along-track daily average.
2) The accuracy of all parameters describing the sea-ice conditions is 5-10% for fractions, (2-)5-10 cm for snow depth, and (0.05-)0.1-0.3 m for sea-ice thickness and ridge height; the values in parenthesis denoting values for thin snow and thin sea ice.
3) Ships tend to follow easy-to-navigate sea-ice conditions. Therefore, basically all parameters can be expected to be biased towards conditions encountered in a lead and/or within level sea ice of the thinnest category encountered. Particularly, it can be expected that the snow depth and the sea-ice thickness is biased low year-round. Sea-ice concentrations are likely biased low during summer.
Approved by author, August 28, 2019