Evaluating global and regional observing frameworks for use in a coordinated Arctic observing system

Abstract:

The geographic setting, diversity of stakeholders and data users, rapidly changing climate, and wide range of societal needs make the Arctic a region that would benefit from an internationally coordinated observing system. Global and regional observing systems exist to coordinate observations across sectors and/or national boundaries to leverage limited resources into widely-available observational data and information products. A similar system implemented in the Arctic region would need to cover a wide range of geophysical, ecological, and sociological observations, and address societal benefit areas ranging from local food security to global climate change. Several existing observing system frameworks are evaluated in the context of Arctic-specific requirements, ranging from global systems (e.g., Global Ocean Observing System, Global Cryosphere Watch, etc.) to regional-scale networks (e.g., Svalbard Integrated Observing System, Greenland Ice Sheet Observing System). Key features of these systems most relevant in the context of a Coordinated Arctic Observing System are identified and translated into specific guidance for implementation of coordinated observations through the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems.