Antarctica InSync held a workshop at the ESA-ESRIN site in Frascati Italy over the 3rd-6th of November. This was attended by over 120 Southern Ocean, Earth Observation and Antarctic scientists from around the world, who partook in three days of intense discussions and writing to develop a coherent science plan for Antarctica InSync activities, planned for 2027-2030.
The workshop was focused on producing white papers that would outline the central science questions, activities and methodologies needed to produce synchronous and intercomparable observations of key properties around the Antarctic. These were split across the seven InSync core science themes and in each case a team of experts were tasked with producing a white paper covering: Motivations, Knowledge Gaps, and Observing Strategies. These white papers also identified the essential variables needed to deliver the identified science outcomes.
OCEAN ICE had several participants attending, as well as many close collaborators. In particular they led or contributed significantly to Theme 1: "Southern Ocean and Antarctic heat, freshwater, carbon and elements cycles and their response to climate change" and Theme 3: "Melting ice sheets and ice shelves and coastal impacts". The white papers developed by these groups reflect many of the research themes of OCEAN ICE, as well as observing strategies consistent with the priorities emerging from OCEAN ICE research.
The white papers from the workshop will be opened up to public comment via upcoming webinars, and are intended to be published shortly thereafter - ideally as part of a special issue, though the exact format is still uncertain. In addition a synthesis and 'call to action' summary is being developed for delivery to policymakers on an accelerated timeline, in order to underscore the importance of InSync activities.
The author of the article - Andrew Meijers (British Antarctic Survey)