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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Mariana Trench 6 arc-second Bathymetric Digital Elevation Model

browse graphicThumbnail of DEM
NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) created a bathymetric digital elevation model (DEM) for the Mariana Trench and adjacent seafloor in the Western Pacific Ocean. Bathymetric data used in DEM compilation were obtained from various sources, including internation, federal and academic partners. The DEM is referenced to the horizontal datum of World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) and the vertical datum of sea level. Grid spacings for the Mariana Trench DEM is 6 arc-seconds (~180 meters). Please note that while positive elevations (elevations greater than 0 meters) are present in the DEM over 'dry' land (i.e. islands such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), they should be ignored as the focus of DEM development was solely in the bathymetric realm.
Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • ID not available.
gov.noaa.ngdc.mgg.dem:4870
Download Data
Distribution Formats
  • netCDF (Version: 4 Classic)
Distributor DEM Information
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
dem.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact DEM Information
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
dem.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1985-01-01 to 2011-12-31
Spatial Reference System urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4326urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::5715
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: 139.00
East: 150.00
South: 10.00
North: 22.00
Spatial Coverage Map
Dataset Information
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2013-02-14
Edition First
Data Presentation Form mapDigital
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose Developed for the Mississippi State University Geosystems Research Institute and NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service to support scientific visualization efforts.
Use Limitations
  • Not to be used for navigation. Although these data are of high quality and useful for planning and modeling purposes, they are not suitable for navigation. For navigation, please refer to the NOS nautical chart series.
  • Produced by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Not subject to copyright protection within the United States.
Originators
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science and Services Keywords
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Seafloor Topography
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Water Depth
NASA/GCMD Platform Keywords
  • Models/Analyses > DEM > Digital Elevation Model
NASA/GCMD Data Resolution Keywords
  • 100 meters - < 250 meters
  • 1 meter - < 10 meters
Uncontrolled
  • Bathymetric Digital Elevation Model
  • Gridded elevations
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Service Keywords
  • DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION > GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS > WEB-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
  • DATA MANAGEMENT/DATA HANDLING > DATA SEARCH AND RETRIEVAL
  • DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION > VISUALIZATION/IMAGE PROCESSING
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Service Keywords
  • DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION > GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS > WEB-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
  • DATA MANAGEMENT/DATA HANDLING > DATA SEARCH AND RETRIEVAL
  • DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION > VISUALIZATION/IMAGE PROCESSING
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Micronesia > Guam
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Micronesia > Northern Mariana Islands
  • Vertical Location > Sea Floor
Uncontrolled
  • Mariana Trench
  • Pacific Ocean
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • ICSU-WDS > International Council for Science - World Data System
Use Constraints No constraint information available
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees Fee information not available.
Lineage information for: dataset
Processor
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Processing Steps
  • 2012-12-15T00:00:00 - All datasets obtained by NGDC were converted to a common ASCII XYZ file format. All data obtained were natively referenced to WGS84. No vertical datum transformations were performed, as any vertical datum offsets between datasets are assumed to be less than vertical accuracy associated with 6 arc-second grid, and are thus effectively equivalent.
  • 2012-12-15T00:00:00 - The data were visually inspected with Fledermaus and ArcGIS for identification and editing of data anomalies. Datasets were compared with overlapping datasets to ensure data consistency. In some cases, overlapping data were edited to ensure a smooth transition between adjacent datasets.
  • 2012-12-15T00:00:00 - ASCII XYZ files for each input dataset were gridded using MB-System's 'mbgrid' tool, which utilizes a high-tension spline interpolation method to fill grid cells with no input elevation values. Preferential weighting was given to more recent, higher-accuracy datasets.
  • 2012-12-15T00:00:00 - The DEM was reviewed qualitatively for any noticeable artifacts introduced during the gridding process using imagery and other ancillary data. If necessary, problematic source data were edited and the an updated grid was created.
Source Datasets
  • NGDC Multibeam Bathymetry Database
    • NGDC Multibeam Bathymetry Database (download)
      Digital database of NGDC multibeam surveys.
    • Description of Source: Source Contribution: downloaded from web site. ; Source Type: online
    • Temporal extent used: 1985-01-01 to 2011-12-31
  • NAVOCEANO Multibeam Bathymetry
    • NGDC Multibeam Bathymetry Database (download)
      Digital data obtained via database of NGDC multibeam surveys.
    • Description of Source: Source Contribution: downloaded from web site. ; Source Type: online
    • Temporal extent used: 2010-01-01 to 2011-12-31
  • Japanese Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology Multibeam Bathymetry
    • Description of Source: Source Contribution: obtained via data request ; Source Type: DVD
    • Temporal extent used: 2002-01-01 to 2011-12-31
  • Japanese Coast Guard Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department Multibeam Bathymetry
    • Description of Source: Source Contribution: obtained via data request; Source Type: DVD
    • Temporal extent used: 1993-01-01 to 2005-12-31
  • NOAA NGDC ETOPO1 Global Relief Model
    • ETOPO1 Global Relief Model (download)
      Global relief model integrating bathymetry and topography, in raster form (DEM)
    • Description of Source: Source Contribution: downloaded from web site. ; Source Type: online
    • Time Instant: 2009-03-01
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
    Platform
    • Digital Elevation Model
    Last Modified: 2019-06-06
    For questions about the information on this page, please email: dem.info@noaa.gov