Polar Observing Systems, SCAR/IASC IPY Open Science Conference

Call for Papers
Polar Observing Systems, SCAR/IASC IPY Open Science Conference
8-11 July 2008
St. Petersburg, Russia
Extended Abstract Deadline: Friday, 15 February 2008
For further information and information on abstract submission, please
go to:
http://www.scar-iasc-ipy2008.org/
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Papers are invited for "Polar Observing Systems" (session 4.1) being
held at the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) /
International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) IPY Open Science
Conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, on 8-11 July 2008.

Session description:
The need for well-coordinated and sustained Polar Observing Systems
that meet scientific and societal needs has been identified in
numerous reports and forums. Particularly, the International Polar
Year 2007-2008 aims to leave a legacy of observing sites, facilities
and systems to support ongoing polar research and monitoring as the
basis for observing and forecasting change. There is a strong
consensus that the ability to observe and quantify change in the polar
regions will serve as a harbinger for monitoring global changes. The
high-intensity observing period of the IPY years will provide detailed
observations that can, through the integration of observations and
advanced numerical models, guide the design of cost-effective,
sustainable observing systems for the future.

This session will focus on our polar observing systems - atmosphere,
hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, geosphere - marine and
terrestrial, using conventional and new technologies from in-situ and
remote sensing systems. The session invites presentations on the
enhanced systems and networks and the resulting products and
information for modelling and process studies, including:

· co-ordinated polar ocean and ice observing; atmospheric
observatories and networks supporting polar observing;
· cryospheric observing, such as snow, glaciers, permafrost and
geophysical and geodetic observations of ice sheets and sub-ice
properties and processes;
· biodiversity monitoring;
· monitoring of contaminants in polar regions and their transport;
· community networks and traditional knowledge information
contributing to the status of polar regions and their change;
· new or upgraded space observing systems looking outward through the
dry polar atmospheres; and,
· coordinated efforts to provide essential satellite observational
products.
The development of environmental products and information from in-situ
and satellite data, including their evaluation, validation and use to
determine status of the polar regions and their change, are
encouraged. Presentations on integrated environmental observing and
monitoring, and efforts to develop sustained observing systems in the
long term are especially welcome. Coordination, collaboration and
communication among the observing activities of government agencies,
research communities and local residents/communities will contribute
to the development of a robust, lasting and coordinated observing
system.

For more detail about the Session please contact Barry Goodison (barrygo@rogers.com
; barry.goodison@ec.gc.ca) or Keith Alverson (k.alverson@unesco.org).

Science and Technology Branch
Environment Canada
15th Floor Rm 1521
Place Vincent Massey
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3
Canada

office email: barry.goodison@ec.gc.ca
home email: barrygo@rogers.com

office phone: 819 934 6853
cell phone: 416 732 3850