CIMSS-NOAA Weekly Report [ Archive ]

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Integrated Global Observing Strategy Cryosphere Workshop: The first Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) Cryosphere Theme Workshop was held March 2-4, 2005 at Kananaskis Village, west of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (also the site of the 2002 G8 summit). The workshop brought together representatives from research institutions and government agencies to work on the identification of the major issues regarding a common and integrated observational strategy for snow and ice cover, permafrost and seasonally frozen land, glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps, and solid precipitation. J. Key (Office of Research and Applications) is the lead on the IGOS Cryosphere Theme and organized the workshop, which was sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency. Additional information is available at http://stratus.ssec.wisc.edu/IGOS-cryo. (J. Key, E/RA2, 608-263-2605)

Significance:
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Framework Document, 2004, states that the design approach for the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) builds on existing systems and data, as well as existing documentation describing observational needs in these areas.  The IGOS Theme Reports play a primary role in this regard, as indicated in the GEO 2005 10-Year GEOSS implementation plan: "An integrated observation strategy (i.e. one that is coordinated, co-designed and shares data) is both more effective and more efficient than stand-alone strategies. This principle is exemplified by the work of the Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership (IGOS-P)".  The IGOS Cryosphere Theme will help define an integrated, coordinated, global observing strategy for the cryosphere.  The GEOSS implementation plan reference document further recommends to “Support implementation of actions called for in GCOS Implementation Plan and the relevant IGOS-P Theme Reports". Vice Admiral (Ret.) Lautenbacher is a GEO co-chair.

NOAA Mission Goal:
Understand Climate Variability and Change to Enhance Society's Ability to Plan and Respond
Serve Society's Needs for Weather and Water Information
Support the Nation's Commerce with Information for Safe, Efficient, and Environmentally Sound Transportation

NOAA Cross-Cutting Priorities:
Sound, Reliable State-of-the-Art Research
Integrating Global Environmental Observations and Data Management

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