Cryosphere and polar region observing system

Abstract

Due to the complex interrelationships between the terrestrial, alpine, and marine elements of the cryosphere, the space component of the cryospheric and polar region observing system (CryOS) is needed to provide comprehensive information on all cryospheric domains. Methods of remotely sensed observations may be common to these domains, and thus the principal challenge for CryOS is to identify ways to develop, coordinate, maintain, and sustain these remote sensing observations within the GEOSS framework (Drinkwater et al., 2008; Jezek and Drinkwater, 2010). Notably, the cryospheric and polar region observing system is recognized to require more than remote sensing measurements of snow and ice properties from satellites or airborne platforms. It must also include complementary networks of ground-based instrumentation as well as other capabilities such as modeling, data assimilation, and reanalysis systems and comprehensive data archiving and management systems.