Enhancing Environmental Observations and SAR Operations in the Arctic.

Abstract

"The Arctic has profound significance for climate and functioning of ecosystems around the globe. The region is particularly vulnerable to rapid change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of ongoing widespread and dramatic change. As a result, critical environmental and economic issues are emerging, many of which have significant impacts on human lives, livelihoods and ocean communities. Yet determining the cause of these changes is poorly understood, impeding reliable forecasting or predictive capability. More routine and consistent environmental observations in the Arctic are needed to address these issues, and to enable sound decision-making based on state-of-the-art scientific information." /.../