2017-12-12 1Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Sea Ice Best Practices for the WMO GCW CryoNet

Lead: Petra Heil (AAD & ACE CRC) and Penelope Wagner (NIS)

Members: Vasily Smolyanitsky (AARI), Charles Fierz (WSL/SLF), Thorsteinn Thorsteinnsson (IMO), and Rodical Nitu (WMO)

2017-12-12 2Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Background- Expansion of IGOS 2007 Cryosphere set of observational capabilities

and requirements for Cryosphere Here the focus is on sea-ice parameters.

- Sea-ice Best Practices are based on established procedures from: - “Field Techniques for sea-ice Research” [Eicken et al. 2009] - Antarctic Sea Ice Processes and Climate (ASPeCt) [Worby

and Allison, 1999]- Arctic Shipborne Sea Ice Standardization Tool (ASSIST)

[Hutchings, J.]- International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG)

2017-12-12 3Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

What sea-ice BP wants from PSTG- While CryoNet is largely concerned about station-based (in situ)

measurements, this approach fails for some sea-ice parameters (extent, concentration, velocity, floe size).

- These may be obtained from lagragian observatories (drifting buoys, icebreakers) but at low spatio-temporal coverage.

- Consequently we seek input from PSTG on obtaining and merging satellite-derived observations to support sea-ice parameters at CryoNet sites. -> sea-ice supersites.

2017-12-12 4Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Considerations: Sea-ice BP for CryoNet● Agreement between science and operations to use common procedures

and techniques.● Need for autonomous measurements.● Need for non-expert observers.● Limitations of comprehensive observations for ALL sea-ice parameters.● Need for ship-based, drifting stations etc. to become CryoNet sites.● Recommendation to permit satellite-derived information, i.e., as only

observation technique apart for ship-based observation to capture ice extent or concentration. (Coastal radars etc.do not cover much pack ice.)

2017-12-12 5Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

CryoNet Sea-Ice Variables

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2017-12-12 6Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Sea Ice Variables and GCW Station Criteria1) The station needs to measure one of the variables of one of the

Cryosphere components - Done!2) Integrated sites have technical supporting staff

- Consideration with Lagragian sites or stations that may not have manned support

3) There is a long-term operational commitment (Minimum 4 years)- When using drifting stations does it have to be continuous or could it

be seasonal?4) Metadata up to date, available on the GCW portal and made freely available 5) Compliance with GCW Regulations, manuals, guides and BP recommendations

- Development of standardized measurements- Training required for all personnel to follow GCW endorsed regulation- Quality must be documented

5) Data should be representative of an area- What scale is considered to be representative of an area?- Challenge when using Lagragian approach

2017-12-12 7Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Summary of Discussion Topics

2017-12-12 8Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Satellite Footprints versus sea-ice length scales

● Typical satellite footprints overlayed for scale○ CryoNet site should cover multiple footprints so we can get stats through spatial extent

or○ Covers one footprint but has multiple observations through time to get stats through temporal

extentor

○ Combination of the 2

● Dependant on level of detail needed

MODIS

2017-12-12 9Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Supersites = Co-Location of sustained satellite coverage with GCW CryoNet

2017-12-12 10Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Is this how satellite missions can support supersites? NASA-ISRO SAR Mission (NiSAR)

2017-12-12 11Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

Antarctic Fast Ice Network

● Variety of observing techniques.

● As of 2014● More organised than in

the Arctic?● Of 13 CryoNet sea ice

stations, only 2 are in the Arctic○ Tiksi, Baranova○ http://globalcryospherewatch.org/cryonet/sites.php?category=seaice_obs

2017-12-12 12Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Future Plans

● GCW Steering Group, 5th session, 10-12 January, 2018, in conjunction with GCW Working Groups sessions, 8-9 January, 2018 (Oslo, Norway)

● Input from selected contributors and reviewers for final draft

2017-12-12 13Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

Sentinel-2 image 2016-01-06 19:48 UTC

2017-12-12 13Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

The End

2017-12-12 14Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) 7th Session

MODIS Terra image 2016-01-06 12:35 UTC

Establish Standardized Observations

- To build (or extend) sustained data records of cryosphere elements.- To enable seamless data exchange of cryospheric observations.- To ensure data from cryospheric observatories are compatible with

requirements of climate evaluation, numerical modelling (incl forecasting) and other end-user applications.