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Polar Research Board
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Why an Arctic Observing Network?
Society needs an improved observation infrastructure
that delivers a coherent set of pan-arctic, longterm, multidisciplinary observations
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Observable changes, many of which have regional and
global implications, are underway across the Arctic
The physical, biological, chemical, and human components
of the arctic system are interconnected and should be
monitored in parallel, yet…
There is insufficient coordination and spatial and temporal
coverage of observations to meet society’s needs
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Report Background
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REQUESTED BY: National Science Foundation
PROCESS:
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Assemble a committee with diverse backgrounds
5 meetings (Anchorage, Copenhagen, Washington
[3]) between October 2004 and September 2005;
International scope (on committee, at meetings, in
review);
Input on physical, biogeochemical, human
dimensions.
PRODUCT: A report with a vision and
implementation ideas aimed at stimulating
international dialog and action
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Committee Members
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W. Berry Lyons (Chair), The Ohio State University, Columbus
Keith Alverson, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Paris
David Barber, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
James G. Bellingham, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, California
Terry V. Callaghan, University of Sheffield; Abisko Scientific Research Station
Lee W. Cooper, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Margo Edwards, University of Hawaii, Honolulu
Shari Gearheard, University of Western Ontario, Canada
Molly McCammon, Alaska Ocean Observing System, Anchorage
Jamie Morison, Polar Science Center, Seattle, Washington
Scott E. Palo, University of Colorado, Boulder
Andrey Proshutinsky, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts
Lars-Otto Reiersen, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, Oslo, Norway
Vladimir E. Romanovsky, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Peter Schlosser, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, New York
Julienne C. Stroeve, National Snow and Ice Data Center, Boulder, Colorado
Craig Tweedie, University of Texas, El Paso
John Walsh, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Paul Cutler (Study Director), Polar Research Board, U.S. National Academy of Sciences
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Focus of the Report
GOAL: Provide guidance to help design an international
arctic land, atmosphere, and ocean observing network
1. Overarching philosophy of network design and key
variables to monitor
2. Existing and planned observing systems
3. Infrastructure needed (e.g., network components and
size; role of remote sensing, novel technologies)
4. Data management and access
5. Strategy for efficient, coordinated implementation
TWO AUDIENCES: NSF and broader U.S./international
community
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Report Content: a vision plus implementation ideas
(rooted in ongoing and planned efforts) for improving and
sustaining arctic observations
Context for Arctic Observations…
vision
toward full
implementation
AON /
GEOSS
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Vision of the AON
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AON is a system of observational infrastructure that will
collect, check, organize, and distribute arctic data and
observations from all domains while taking the necessary
measures to continuously adapt and improve the
network.
AON provides the framework within which existing
programs and observing capabilities can be linked,
supplemented, and constantly improved (e.g., better
continuity, consistency, etc).
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Overarching Recommendation 1
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An arctic observing network should be initiated
using existing activities and with the flexibility
and resources to expand and improve to satisfy
current and future scientific and operational
needs.
In its initial phase, the network should monitor
selected key variables consistently across the
arctic system.
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Overarching Recommendation 2
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Work to design and implement an internationally
coordinated arctic observing network should
begin immediately to take advantage of a
unique window of opportunity created by a
convergence of international activities during the
International Polar Year that focus on
observations.
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AON Essential Functions
(i.e., essential to all
participants)
AON data used in
data products,
models, decisionsupport tools
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Data Acquisition
(General recommendation – see report for specifics)
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The first phase of AON development will require
sustaining existing observational capabilities (including
those under threat of closure) and filling critical gaps
For example…
 Sustain long records at “flagship” sites
 Fill gaps such as
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salinity, temperature, sea ice thickness (in the Arctic Ocean),
precipitation, land cover, albedo time series (pan-arctic)
Human-environment relations, demographic data
and many more (see Table 2.1, and Ch3 and Ch5 of report)…
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AON Report noted:
“There is a lack of salinity and temperature data for
the Arctic Ocean, especially in areas covered by
sea ice.”
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Need of both intensive measurement programs (at both
locations)
DMOs (distributed marine observations) are needed for
spatial and temporal context
DMOs – moorings, instrument systems tethered to
sea ice, repeat sections – these activities should
be done together
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But there are many gaps…
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Data Management
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A data management system initially built on
existing data centers and resources must be
designed and implemented immediately by an
AON data management committee to support
major functions of the network.
This system should
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be accessible through a single portal that connects
data across disciplines and themes and
seamlessly link information from arctic sensors,
historical datasets, and researchers and other users
across space and time.
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Observing System Development
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A system design assessment should be
conducted within the first two years of AON
development—that is, as a component of IPY
AON should be continuously improved and
enhanced (using the ongoing design study,
metrics, user feedback)
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Observing System Development
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The AON should support development, testing,
and deployment of new sensors and other
network-related technology. This will require
supporting
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(cont.)
expert groups to track advances in technology that
satisfy overarching network needs
centers of excellence and a technology incubator
program to adapt and develop needed technology.
Recognize the importance/value of
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a systems engineering approach
instrument validation and calibration
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Maintenance and Sustainability
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For the AON to realize its potential, long-term,
coordinated, international resources and efforts
should be dedicated to
 sustaining observing platforms
 providing incentives for contributions to the
network
 network coordination and integration
 communication
 personnel development
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Next Steps for AON
**Parallel Effort Needed
On All Four AON
Essential Functions**
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First NSF IPY Proposal
Solicitation & AON Language
 “This solicitation focuses on the efforts needed to develop and
deploy a pan-Arctic observing system that will enable SEARCH by
measuring the full range of continuing changes now underway.”
 “Special emphasis will be given to establishing a research-driven
network of measurement systems during IPY 2007-2008, including
a network of human observations and indigenous knowledge in the
Arctic.”
 “Proposals to develop and implement components should be
driven by science questions that underline the need for a long-term
observation system.”
 “Proposers may wish to consider information contained in the
SEARCH reports, as well as other observing system documents,
as they begin to develop their proposals.”
-NSF, Office of Polar Programs
AON & Existing
Long-Term Observatories
Add existing Long-term Observatory (LTO) projects,
e.g., North Pole Environmental Observatory, Beaufort
Gyre Observatory, UV Monitoring etc. and AON becomes:
LTO AON.IPY AON
Atmosphere ……………..
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Oceans & Sea Ice ……...
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Hydrology & Cryosphere . 2
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Terrestrial Ecosystems … 1
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Human Dimensions …….
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Palaeo-environment ……
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Data ……………………… 0
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2
All
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-NSF, Office of Polar Programs
Second NSF IPY Proposal
Solicitation & AON Language
Emphasis Area 1
Understanding Environmental Change in Arctic Regions
 “In the Arctic, the research community has identified the establishment
of an AON as one key to advancing SEARCH under IPY.”
 “Proposals that make use of polar observing systems to further the
understanding of environmental variability and climate change in polar
regions are encouraged.”
 “Proposals that contribute to the design of an AON are also
encouraged.”
 “Proposals are encouraged that advance modern technologies
(including network development, communications, data management
and data systems) to enhance measurements and exploitation of the
data collected from polar observing systems.”
-NSF, Office of Polar Programs
International Movement Toward AON
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October ‘06 – Arctic Council agreed to: “urge all
Member countries to maintain and extend long
term monitoring of change in all parts of the
Arctic……to create a coordinated Arctic observing
network that meets identified societal needs.”
SAON (Sustained Arctic Observing Network) –
initiating group met in Norway in January ‘07,
soliciting expressions of interest in SAON and
suggestions and advice on how to move forward
This Initiating Group will meet again at the Arctic
Science Summit Week in Hanover, NH in March
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Organization of PAntOS Action Group
“Pan-Antarctic Observations Network” @
2006 SCAR Meeting in Hobart, Australia
• Implementation Plan Draft –
December 2006
• Initiative Group - 12 international
scientists – 6 from U.S.A. including
Bromwich & Lyons
• Chair, V. Papitashvili (U. Mich.)
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10th International Symposium
on Antarctic Earth Sciences
26 - 31 August, 2007 - Santa Barbara
http://isaes2007.geol.ucsb.edu/index.html
Session D.6 : History of IPY/IGY - contribute!
Abstract submission deadline: May 15th….
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Extra Slides
AON and GEOSS
“A globally linked AON not only has scientific value, but
also would contribute societal benefits in each of
[GEOSS’s benefit] areas…the AON must be developed as
an organic, integrated component of both national and
international emerging Earth observation efforts that
typically have weak arctic representation.”
“As GEOSS gains traction, it may provide a unique
opportunity for the AON to assert itself as the arctic
contribution to GEOSS. However, to do so, the AON will
need to ensure its connections to other global networks
that will be key contributors to GEOSS such as GOOS,
GTOS, and GCOS.”
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AON in the context of
GEOSS Architecture
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AON
Essential
Functions
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AON
Essential
Functions
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