Session Announcement and Call for Papers
Sea Ice Thickness Observations: Before, During and After the
International Polar Year
American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting
10-14 December 2007
San Francisco, California
Abstract Submission Deadline: 6 September 2007
For further information, please go to:
http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm07/?content=search&show=detail&sessid=331
Papers are invited for Session C06: "Sea Ice Thickness Observations:
Before, During and After the International Polar Year" being convened at
the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting on 10-14 December 2007
in San Francisco, California.
Session description:
Sea ice thickness represents one of the most important but least
well-sampled components of the climate system. Ice thickness data that
do exist, such as those derived from submarine-based ice draft
measurements, indicate a substantial thinning of the ice cover in the
Arctic over the past several decades. Recent projections suggest this
observation may be a harbinger of more dramatic climate change in the
future.
New and future satellite technologies (ICESat and CryoSat-II) show
promise in being able to provide basin-scale estimates of the ice
thickness distribution. Other developing technologies, such as
electromagnetic (EM) induction, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs),
and ice mass buoys can provide surface and near-surface observations
essential for calibration and validation of the satellite measurements.
Older historical records from submarines and in situ ice auger records,
many of which have not yet been made publicly accessible, offer critical
perspective. The International Polar Year represents an opportunity to
begin integrating these different sources of data into consistent
estimates of ice thickness across the Arctic Basin.
The session requests submissions on sea ice thickness measurements,
particularly abstracts focused on: (1) new science results (e.g.,
climate trends, variability); (2) recent measurements and new
technologies (e.g., ICESat, AUVs, ice mass buoys, EM induction, active
microwave, etc.); (3) recovery of historical thickness records; and (4)
integration of different ice thickness measurements. Session conveners
also encourage submissions that treat measurement protocols and data
rescue issues. The focus of the session is on observations, though
results from model studies will also be considered, particularly studies
that integrate observations and/or use observations for validation or
data assimilation.
Conveners:
Walt Meier
National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado
E-mail: walt [at] nsidc.org
Benjamin Holt
NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
E-mail: ben.holt [at] jpl.nasa.gov
Jacqueline Richter-Menge
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering
Laboratory
E-mail: Jacqueline.A.Richter-Menge [at] erdc.usace.army.mil
Further information and abstract submission procedures are available at:
http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm07/