T5-2 Polar observing systems

Linked physical, geological, biological, chemical, and human observations of the atmosphere, oceans, ice and land and multidisciplinary observations, including social and human systems and engaging polar residents, constitute an intensive activity of the IPY. Observing systems and infrastructure will leave a significant legacy of the IPY and provide long-term support to polar research. Improved spatial and temporal coverage of many data sets, and building capacity for observing and monitoring in local Arctic communities, will enable determination of the present environmental status and establish a baseline for identifying and forecasting future change.

Coordinated, international efforts to sustain and connect polar observing systems to larger global observing systems are underway for the Arctic and Antarctic. For the Arctic, the Arctic Council together with the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and other partners have established the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) program to achieve long-term, Arctic-wide observing activities that provide free, open and timely access to high quality data that will realize pan-Arctic and global value-added services and societal benefits. For the Antarctic, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is developing individual observing systems. The mechanism of coordination and or integration between them is under review.

This session provides an opportunity to present and discuss community, ground, and ocean based polar observing systems. We encourage contributions from both the Arctic and Antarctic.