OBSERVING THE ARCTIC




Sessions



Abstract

A changing Arctic In recent decades, sustained observations of Arctic environmental and socio-economic systems have revealed a pace, magnitude, and extent of change that is unprecedented by many measures. These changes include rapid depletion of the cryosphere, shifts in ecological structures and increasing challenges to food security and resilience across northern communities.

The Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) SAON is a joint initiative of the Arctic Council and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC). It was created to strengthen multinational engagement in and coordination of pan-Arctic observing. SAON’s intent is to unite Arctic and non-Arctic countries and Indigenous Peoples in support of a systematic network of activities through structured facilitation.

A Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (ROADS) In its recent strategic plan, SAON identified the need for a Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (ROADS) to set a course for the needed system and to specify how the various partners and players are going to collectively work towards getting it there. The purpose of ROADS is to stimulate multinational resource mobilization around specific plans with clear value propositions, to serve as a tool for the joint utilization of Indigenous Knowledge and science, to coordinate engagement and to ensure that maximal benefits are delivered.

Continuing multinational coordination through SAON was endorsed by the Second Arctic Science Ministerial in their Joint Statement with an emphasis on: "moving from the design to the deployment phase of an integrated Arctic observing system".

Advancing SAON's Roadmap etc. through Regional and Global capabilities The session will present speakers from Regional and Global observing initiatives. It will be a forume for a dialogue with these on how they can strengthen their activities in the Arctic and still meet local needs for observing.

Key-words

ROADS Observing SAON

Conveners

Sandy Starkweather | SAON Chair, NOAA, USA
Jan Rene Larsen | SAON Secretariat

Abstract

The Central Arctic Ocean remains profoundly understudied, particularly carbon cycling, ecosystem alteration, and associated changes in atmosphere, ice and ocean physics that influence those biological and biogeochemical systems. The region is expected to continue to make marked changes over the next decades, driven by ongoing climate warming, yet our understanding of key process is limited for this area. The international Synoptic Arctic Survey (SAS) seeks to quantify the present states of the physical, biological, and biogeochemical systems of the Arctic Ocean. Multiple countries have both confirmed and pending cruises as part of the 2020/2021 SAS networked activities. Key goals of the SAS are to establish the present state of the Arctic system, to document temporal changes where possible through comparison with historical data, and to quantify linkages between the adjacent shelves, slopes, and deep basins, objectives that are shared with the broader Pan-Arctic effort of the composite SAS. The SAS consists of regional shelf-to-basin ship-based surveys in 2020 and 2021 to obtain a Pan-Arctic understanding of essential ocean variables (EOVs) on a quasi-synoptic, spatially distributed basis in which no single nation bears the full burden of collecting the requisite data. The multi-country field effort will provide a strong basis for educational opportunities for early career scientists. This SAS session will outline the benchmark and important legacy for SAS activities to future, quasi-decadal assessments of rapid and evolving Arctic Ocean system change. Updates on the 2020 SAS field program results and upcoming national plans for 2021 activities will be provided during the session.

Key-words

Central Arctic Ocean, Pan-Arctic, ecosystem, climate change

Conveners

Jacqueline M. Grebmeier | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, Maryland, USA
Oyvind Paasche | Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and NORCE Climate, Bergen, Norway
Christina Goethel | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, Maryland, USA

Abstract

T-MOSAiC aims to coordinate with other Arctic programs (e.g., Year of Polar Prediction) to utilize resources from a network of observatories and suite of satellites. In the context of aerosol studies, in situ and remotely sensed data, including aerosol optical depth from Sun, Star and Moon photometers and profiling using lasers, are required to evaluate their impact on climate. Using these data in conjunction with chemical transport and climate models, aerosol radiative forcing can be assessed. The session emphasizes the need for such coordination, with a focus on how the Polar-AOD community can contribute to ongoing research related to atmospheric composition, including polar-night monitoring techniques, validation of satellite retrievals and transport models, and provides a forum for such a coordination in relation to 2019-2020 aerosol measurements in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. We will seek input from other groups and stake holders as to how to coordinate activities going forward.

Key-words

aerosol, pan-arctic activities, long-term measurements, Polar-AOD, remote sensing

Conveners

Mauro Mazzola | National Research Council, Institute of Polar Sciences (Italy)
Carlos Toledano | Universidad de Valladolid, Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica (Valladolid, Spain)
Liviu Ivanescu | Université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada)

Abstract

Arctic Indigenous Peoples have called on scientists to revise research methodologies to reflect the importance of Indigenous perspectives of scientific research that takes place on their homelands and in their communities. There remains a persistent need for decolonizing and collaborative methodologies to supplant top-down approaches in Arctic research, and to discuss how natural scientists - who may be Indigenous scientists or allies - can learn from and apply Indigenous methodologies in research. This session will include presentations and a panel discussion on Indigenous methodologies in research involving the natural sciences, including approaches to building respectful and accountable research relationships at all stages of the research process. We invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, community researchers, local leaders, youth, knowledge-holders, and specialists from a variety of backgrounds, geographies, disciplines, and career stages. Limited funding will be available for presenters who are Indigenous community members and/or Indigenous scholars either leading or co-presenting in this session.

Key-words

Indigenous methodologies; collaborative research relationships

Conveners

Megan Sheremata | University of Toronto
Victoria Qutuuq Buschman | University of Washington
Stanislav Ksenofontov | Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University

Abstract

The Arctic Observing Summit (AOS) is a biennial event convened as part of the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) initiative – to guide the design, coordination, and long-term operation of an international network of observing systems that improves our understanding of and response to Arctic change. Arctic environmental change continues unabated. Sustained observations that enable us to track, understand, and project this change are essential. They are necessary to guide adaptation and mitigation responses from local to global scales. Recommendations from the AOS 2020 include, among others, that a pan-Arctic Observing System of Systems must be:
- Designed to reflect societal and scientific needs with design drawing on Essential and Shared Arctic Variables;
- Coordinated and where needed integrated with global observing systems;
- Relevant to people’s lives, decision making, and policy;
- Supported with a networked, collaborative, interoperable digital system that is based on co-production and ethical data principles.
This session invites papers focused on any or all of these aspects of Arctic Observing with the goal of sharing and/or supplementing the work of the Summit and/or implementing these and other recommendations including the identification of Essential Arctic Variables using the SAON Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems. We also welcome papers that consider new and sustainable ways of supporting and expanding observing activities through collaboration with Indigenous People, creative and novel use of existing observational infrastructure and ways in which an observing system of system can be responsive to emerging issues. For example, the AOS 2020 was held as an online forum as a result of the circumstances introduced by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic highlights the need for an observing system that is responsive to arctic change as well as to unanticipated global events.

Key-words

Observing Systems, Coordination, Implementation, Societal Benefits, Essential Arctic Variables

Conveners

Maribeth S. Murray | Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary
Ravi D. Sankar | Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary
Peter Schlosser | Arizona State University

Abstract

Arctic science has benefited tremendously through partnerships with Northern communities to monitor Arctic wildlife. Northern communities are increasingly involved in monitoring efforts aimed at understanding how and why Arctic wildlife is changing. This session focuses on community-based initiatives to monitor wildlife issues in the Canadian North. We would like to focus on methodologies, tools and approaches for building successful community-based wildlife research projects. We would like to invite presentations across all disciplines that feature successful community engagement initiatives, and explore different methodologies used across the circumpolar Arctic. We aim to bring together multiple perspectives, and welcome applications from Indigenous community members, Elders, managers, as well as senior and early-career researchers, and community-based project leaders to elaborate on their methodologies as examples of model community-based programs. Our session will be followed by a roundtable discussion among all the speakers and the audience to compare across the different methods and approaches presented. We believe this session can contribute to building a transdisciplinary community of practice for monitoring Arctic wildlife in partnership with Northern communities.

Key-words

indigenous methodologies, community-based research, wildlife, wildlife research, transdisciplinary research

Conveners

Enooyaq Sudlovenick | University of Manitoba
Emily Choy | McGill University
Dr. Marianne Falardeau | Universie Laval

Abstract

Lake and river ice cover are major components of the cryosphere, and their phenology affects both natural processes and human activities. With such a large spatial coverage, ice regimes of these water bodies comprise an important part of the cryosphere and of Arctic hydrological systems. Climate warming influences not only water temperatures, but also physical changes, including stratification, turbidity, ice formation, phenology, and biogeochemical changes. Understanding these changes and their role and response to current climate warming has been limited by several factors including lack of detailed observations. Integrated remote sensing and modelling studies grounded in in-situ field data are greatly needed to improve observational and predictive capacity for monitoring their response to climate change. We invite contributions that address modelling or monitoring of lake and river ice, and their interaction with the broader Arctic system. Studies that integrate observational and modelling studies or introduce new sensor technologies to expand monitoring capacities through community partnerships are of particular interest.

Key-words

Lake/river ice, Arctic, Cryosphere, Climate change, Cryospheric monitoring

Conveners

Homa Kheyrollah Pour | Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada
Shawn Marshall | University of Calgary and Environment and Climate Change Canada

Abstract

Observation by means of remote sensing (RS) provides the ability to measure and monitor elements of the sea ice on a continuous basis and with much better spatial coverage than field or in-situ measurements. This is particularly true for the harsh and difficult-to-access environment of the sea ice-covered Arctic ocean. The continuous decline in Arctic sea ice extent and thickness is considered as one of the most obvious indicators of global warming. Over the past 40 years, satellite remote sensing has revealed diverse eminent issues both in scientific and public domain, and the corresponding actions made by policy makers are starting to affect our daily life. We look to exchange ideas and best practices to advance our understanding of changes in Arctic sea ice and its impact on global Earth system.  This session aims at: i) Reviewing the progress and latest results with major focus on RS-advances in the domain of sea ice research and applications, ii) Exploring effective mechanisms to promote networking and collaborative research in polar observation sciences, bringing together different expertise, data and resources in a synergistic manner ensuring that the final result may be bigger than the sum of the parts, iii) Adventuring the major scientific challenges, observation gaps and research needs for the coming years, iv) Digging the coming opportunities offered by the increasing RS capacity in synergies with in-situ observations, advance modeling, new technologies and interdisciplinary research, v) Yielding the need for major multi-year coordinated inter-disciplinary experiments. The session is open to researchers and students, industry, operational agencies, policy makers, representatives of local communities and other stakeholders interested in sharing their knowledge and experience.

Key-words

Remote sensing, Earth observation, Sea ice, In-situ, Modeling

Conveners

Hyun-cheol Kim | Korea Polar Research Institute
Seung Hee Kim | Korea Polar Research Institute

Abstract

The INTAROS project is developing integrated observing systems in the Arctic, including improvement of data sharing and dissemination services (www.intaros.eu). INTAROS supports several systems providing data from ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere and terrestrial themes across the Arctic region. Ocean data are provided by bottom-mounted systems, ship surveys, Argo floats, ice platforms and Ferrybox systems. Terrestrial stations provide observations of meteorological, hydrological, and cryospheric variables, soil temperature and fluxes of climate gases. INTAROS also contributes to Community-Based Monitoring programmes, where data collected in local communities are provided and made available for users. A major challenge in Arctic data dissemination and data sharing is the heterogeneity and complexity in data collected in the difference scientific disciplines. INTAROS is therefore supporting work to build distributed and connected databases in agreement with the FAIR principles.

Key-words

multidisciplinary observations, data management, interoperability, application studies, local communities

Conveners

Stein Sandven | Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center
Alexandra Touzeau | University of Bergen
Roberta Pirazzini | Finnish Meteorological Institute

Abstract

Since the Fourth International Polar Year (2007-2009) the Polar Data Management Community has been collaborating to realize enhanced data management and long-term stewardship for the Arctic region. New human and technical resources and the recognition of the value of Indigenous data increase our abilities to discover, access, combine, and reuse the best data in an ethically open way for e.g. research, community well-being, and decision making. This session calls for papers on all aspects of data practice and theory. There is specific interest in papers reporting on initiatives that demonstrate FAIR data sharing and/or use of the CARE principles (https://www.gida-global.org/care) in particular: i) Community or Indigenous-driven projects; ii) Demonstrations from collaborative research initiatives (i.e. MOSAiC, T-MOSAiC, CCADI etc.); iii) Cutting edge methods, technology, policy or theory that address data challenges and interoperability in particular; iv) Results from early career researchers.

Key-words

Data management ; preservation; interoperability; ethically open data; data sharing

Conveners

Peter L. Pulsifer | Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Kirsten Elger | GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
Mareike Wieczorek | Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam, Germany

Abstract

Environmental pollution in Arctic region is one of the hot topics of scientific researches and policy-relevant actions in countries and throughout of northern hemisphere. Scientific community and international organizations discussed widely the vast scope of problems on regional pollution and its relations to climate change for many years. Since early 1980’s the number of symposia, conferences and other scientific forums were held to discuss many important relevant themes such as investigation of pollutant threats and scales of their dispersion, identification of atmospheric emission source areas, outcomes of the experimental observation campaigns, a role of atmospheric transport onto Arctic air quality, inflow of accumulating toxics with river waters and many others.
The research activities and rising awareness on pollution impact on such sensitive nature under severe climate were promoted under the umbrella of international research programs (like AMAP and EMEP) and circumpolar intergovernmental cooperation (IASC, Arctic Council), as well as realized at scientific observation facilities.
After the some successful achievements supported by efforts of many Arctic countries and their surrounds reached on atmospheric emission mitigation the warning appeal on chemical pollution within Arctic Circle had turned pale, and climate change issues got a bigger headline of public interests. However, the environmental pollution in many areas throughout Arctic became a re-new challenge due to the growth of technical armament, Arctic exploration programs being implemented in some countries as well as the potential of transport and industrial development in coastal zone and along the Northern Sea Route. Atmospheric emissions, sewage (sludge) of treatment waters and wastes could be a reason of increasing pollution in environmental media and threatening sensitive ecosystems. Transboundary atmospheric transport from lower latitudes brings also the pollutants with dual effects (such as black carbon, short-lived climate substances) in Arctic areas, both on ecosystem health and climate changes. The session will consider and discuss the general themes and particular topics related to current state of pollutant levels in air and precipitation, snow cover, surface water and other environmental objects based on regular monitoring of pollution, field campaigns, outcome of research studies and other measurement research programs. Global-wide results of satellite remote sensing could also be presented with focus to Arctic areas and surrounds as well as regions affecting arctic environment pollution with help of long range atmospheric transport. New outcomes of research on inter-latitude transport of pollutants into Arctic would be presented based on modeling or statistical analysis of contaminant pathways from surround areas and countries far out. The results on quantitative and specific (emission profile markers, element ratios) evaluations of anthropogenic source impacts are expected also to be presented based on the data of field campaigns. The problems of monitoring networks will be discussed with a view on new activities and exploration programs in Arctic. Information on session aims and topics will be disseminated to the research institutes in Europe, Russia and over Asia as well as to coordination centers of international programs and research initiatives (EMEP, AMAP, ACTRIS, EGU, etc.).

Key-words

atmospheric pollution, environmental pollution, monitoring, satellite observation, anthropogenic impact

Conveners

Sergey GROMOV (Dr.) | Yu.A.Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology (IGCE)
Alisa Trifonova-Yakovleva (Ms.) | Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences
nome | inst.

Abstract

Variations in upper-ocean hydrography, light penetration, lower and upper trophic levels, pelagic-benthic coupling and carbon cycling are being evaluated through the Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO), which was initiated in 2010 in the Pacific Arctic. The DBO sampling approach emphasizes annual standardized sampling by an international suite of ships occupying agreed-to transect lines in order to measure the status and developing trends for the ecosystem. Continuous data are also obtained through mooring and satellite observations. The first decade of DBO sampling has revealed seasonal and interannual hydrographic changes are driving shifts in biological species composition and abundance, northward range expansions for some temperate species and negative impacts for some ice dependent species. This model of change detection is being expanded to other Arctic regions beyond the initial implementation in the Pacific Arctic. An Atlantic DBO is in development through coordination of ongoing international field activities in the Eurasian Arctic, and planning has started for an effort in Davis Strait/Baffin Bay. This session invites presentations on results related to ongoing and planned DBO activities in all Arctic regions.

Key-words

Arctic change, ecosystem response, Distributed Biological Observatory

Conveners

Jacqueine M. Grebmeier | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, Maryland, USA
Sue E. Moore | University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Chelsea Wegner Koch | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, Maryland, USA

Abstract

Responding to accelerating social and environmental change in the Arctic requires informed decision-making at the community scale that draws on both Indigenous knowledge and relevant and accessible research-based information. This session will address approaches to enhance and expand the use and usability of data and information within Arctic community-based research. Contributions will focus on efforts to advance Indigenous knowledge and data sovereignty, collaborative and user-driven research with Arctic communities, the development of community data management systems, and understanding Arctic community requirements for usable research. Lessons will be shared that highlight important considerations and strategies regarding technical approaches to community data stewardship, capacity building, development of user-tools, and evaluating the use and usability of research outputs. While this session will focus on information use at the community scale, we will also address the value, considerations, and opportunities for sharing community-based data and knowledge within regional to pan-Arctic observing networks.

Key-words

Information use, data management, community-based research, Indigenous data sovereignty

Conveners

Noor Johnson | National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado Boulder
Finn Danielsen | Nordic Foundation for Development and Ecology
Roberta Glenn | University of Alaska Fairbanks
Lisbeth Iversen | Nansen Environment and Remote Sensing Centre

Abstract

Extremely harsh climate and polar geographical features, like sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, magnify operational and logistic problems in the Arctic and require unique engineering approaches. Submissions addressing the design, testing, and utilization of polar field techniques, equipment, facilities, vehicles, and instruments for research and use by local communities are invited. Themes to be investigated include: cold regions construction engineering; low-temperature materials development; alternative energy systems; innovations in ice coring and drilling technology in cold regions; ice and permafrost engineering; polar transport; and remote sensing techniques. Automated operations are one of the key areas for Arctic investigations. Thus, special focus of the session will be on autonomous profiling floats; under-ice gliders (AUV and ROV); deep-ocean rovers; automatic weather stations; unmanned aerial vehicles; robotic camera systems; in situ sensors and methods for collecting autonomous observations. In this inter-disciplinary session, we invite presentations that showcase how technologies have helped science and local communities in the Arctic.

Key-words

polar engineering, alternative energy systems, ocean engineering, automated systems, instrumentation systems

Conveners

Pavel Talalay | Polar Research Center, Jilin University, China
Elizabeth Bagshaw | School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, UK
Claus Melvad | School of Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark
Shridhar Jawak | Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS), Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

Abstract

Climate change is causing far-reaching changes across the Arctic, including shifts in vegetation, permafrost, hydrology and disturbances regimes. In situ observations and local and Indigenous knowledge provide in-depth understanding of ecosystem change but can be spatially limited. Remote sensing offers an “eyes in the sky” approach, yet information from in situ networks and expert knowledge is necessary to interpret the satellite records. Integrating in situ and satellite data streams is key to detecting and understanding changing Arctic systems. Emerging remote sensing techniques and instrumentation, along with computational advances, have greatly expanded the spatio-temporal scales of remote observations, bridging the gap between point observations, landscape-scale remote sensing, and global-scale land surface models. This session will discuss approaches for characterizing Arctic landscape change, spanning scales of space and time. We specifically welcome examples of how information from remote sensing, in situ observations, and local and Indigenous knowledge can be integrated to better assess the impacts of Arctic ecosystem change.

Key-words

arctic, ecosystems, remote sensing, monitoring, Indigenous, permafrost

Conveners

Annett Bartsch | b.geos & Austrian Polar Research Institute
Sue Natali | Woods Hole Research Center
Ingmar Nitze | Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Jennifer Watts | Woods Hole Research Center

Closed on December 10, 2020