A detailed digital elevation model of the Kara Sea was compiled on the basis of sea bottom depths (calibrated to mean sea level) from ELAC echograph surveys conducted during RV Akademik Boris Petrovs expeditions in 1999, 2000 and 2001combined with nautical charts. A total of 8000 ships soundings and some additional 8000 soundings obtained from the charts were used to compute the model.The map gives valuable morphological information about the dynamic environment of the Kara Sea. It proves as a very useful tool to reveal information about the extend of the LGM ice sheets; processes related to sea level fluctuations (fluvial incision, transgressive erosion) and may help to reconstruct the (Holocene) history of Siberian river run off.The data presented here will soon be available at : www.pangaea.de.