Integrated Arctic observation system

Objective

The overall objective of INTAROS is to develop an integrated Arctic Observation System (iAOS) by extending, improving and unifying existing systems in the different regions of the Arctic. INTAROS will have a strong multidisciplinary focus, with tools for integration of data from atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and terrestrial sciences, provided by institutions in Europe, North America and Asia. Satellite earth observation data plays an increasingly important role in such observing systems, because the amount of EO data for observing the global climate and environment grows year by year. In situ observing systems are much more limited due to logistical constraints and cost limitations. The sparseness of in situ data is therefore the largest gap in the overall observing system. INTAROS will assess strengths and weaknesses of existing observing systems and contribute with innovative solutions to fill some of the critical gaps in the in situ observing network. INTAROS will develop a platform, iAOS, to search for and access data from distributed databases. The evolution into a sustainable Arctic observing system requires coordination, mobilization and cooperation between the existing European and international infrastructures (in-situ and remote including space-based), the modeling communities and relevant stakeholder groups. INTAROS will include development of community-based observing systems, where local knowledge is merged with scientific data. An integrated Arctic Observation System will enable better-informed decisions and better-documented processes within key sectors (e.g. local communities, shipping, tourism, fisheries), in order to strengthen the societal and economic role of the Arctic region and support the EU strategy for the Arctic and related maritime and environmental policies.

Fields of science

• engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
• natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographynatural disasters
• natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changes
• natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographyglaciology
• natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing

Keywords

• Observation system
• in situ
• Arctic
• integrated
• ocean
• atmosphere
• ice
• terrestrial
• ecosystems
• communities

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials Main Programme
• H2020-EU.3.5.5. - Developing comprehensive and sustained global environmental observation and information systems
• H2020-EU.3.2.5. - Cross-cutting marine and maritime research
• H2020-EU.3.5.1. - Fighting and adapting to climate change

Topic(s)

• BG-09-2016 - An integrated Arctic observation system

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (49)