The work that goes into the assessment and development of CDRs, as well as the CDRs themselves, has broad applicability in the international community. In particular, the snow and ice CDRs could become standard products in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW). GCW will contribute to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) through the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS). Additionally, the proposed work addresses recommendations of the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) Cryosphere Theme, an international activity to assess observational capabilities and requirements for the cryosphere. (http://igos-cryosphere.org). GCW was recently approved by the 16th WMO Congress (May 2011, Geneva). J. Key is co-leading the development of GCW.
Discussions with the GCW development group have indicated the need to identify appropriate satellite datasets. The investigators on this project are engaged in that task and will work with GCW. Potential satellite datasets for GCW will also be considered by the WMO Polar Science Space Task Group.
W. Meier is now part of the CliC Sea Ice Working Group. He will provide guidance on recommendations for remote sensing sea ice data products, including algorithms, data quality, and data formats. Serving on this working group will allow this CDR project to have wider impact and greater acceptance within the international community.
