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International Coordination Office (ICO) Find more information at
for Polar Prediction www.polarprediction.net
PolarPredictNews
Issue #15#14
Newsletter
July 2020
Apr. 2020
Sea ice scientists Stefanie Arndt (left) and Robert
Ricker (right) during their weekly observational
walk across the Arctic sea-ice floe to measure
sea-ice thickness with the electromagnetic
sensor (EM) sled and snow depth with the
MagnaProbe during Leg 3 of the MOSAiC
expedition where more than 600 international
scientists study the central Arctic conditions
during an entire year. The sled (to the very right
in photo) measures the distance between the
snow surface and the underlying ice/water
interface, which is the total thickness of both the
sea ice and snow. Subtracting the additionally
measured snow depth with the MagnaProbe
allows to calculate the actual sea-ice thickness
(photo: Saga Svavarsdóttir/Alfred Wegener
Institute).
1
E d ito ria l
International Coordination Office (ICO) Find more information at 16
p. 33
This Year A Virtual AGU Fall
Meeting
by Kirstin Werner
Dear Colleagues,
It is time to briefly pause and celebrate the
for Polar Prediction www.polarprediction.net
publication of the 15th issue of PolarPredictNews.
Launched in autumn 2016, Kirstin Werner and
Content 17
p. 34
2021 Arctic Frontiers – Building
Bridges on Arctic Weather and
Climate Prediction
her team managed to publish one issue about
every 3.5 months. Starting in October 2016
as an 8-pager, PolarPredicNews has grown
01 This Year is Difficult to Predict
by Kirstin Werner
by Kirstin Werner continuously in length and quality. Essentially, I
consider PolarPredictNews one of the key legacy
09
p. 5–10 elements that will provide an overview of the
18
Improving Weather, Water, Ice Tenth International Workshop on accomplishments of PPP and YOPP. And it will
and Climate Information in the Sea Ice Modelling, Assimilation, do so, in a very accessible and entertaining way
p. 22 Canadian Arctic p. 35 Observations, Predictions and (see, for example, the watercolour drawings by
02 Towards Improved Forecasts in
Northern Europe
by Jonny Day and Gabriele Arduini
New YOPP-endorsed project
Verification
by the International Ice Charting Working
Group
Amy Macfarlane that are spread throughout this
whole 15th issue).
10
p. 11–13
YOPP Endorsement Open This latest issue also highlights exciting recent
19
until 2021 NEW PUBLICATIONS scientific progress. For example, there is a report
p. 23 Qizhen Sun et al. describing improvements in snow modelling
Jun Inoue that could enhance predictive capacity in polar
03
p. 36-37
Combining Modeling and Penny Wagner et al. regions and beyond. I am quite optimistic that
Observations for Improved this work will become a PPP/YOPP success story
p. 14–15 Sea-Ice Predictions
by Lars Nerger 11 Two New Contributions to Polar
Prediction Matters
p. 24-25 Risk and Reward 20 YOPP-endorsed! – DACAPO-PESO
project
when it comes to going from research to better
predictions and advanced services.
Ice and Weather Forecast Software on p. 38-40 Interview with Project PI Patric Seifert Furthermore, I would like to highlight two special
board Meachat Vessels issues. The one on Antarctic Meteorology and
04 Improving Weather Forecasts in
the Arctic
21 Upcoming Events
Climate: Past, Present and Future presents
latest findings from expanded and ongoing
p. 16–17 by Anna Kathinka Dalland Evans
12 The IcePod – Three New
Bonus Episodes
p. 28-29 by Kirstin Werner and
p. 41
Online and In-Person Meetings research efforts in Antarctic meteorology,
weather prediction, climate variability and climate
change. The special issue entitled Societal Value
05
Sara Pasqualetto of Improved Forecasting, published in Polar
Third Coordinated Sea-Ice Fore- Geography, compiles a range of papers detailing
cast Experiment in the work that has been undertaken in conjunction
p. 18 Southern Ocean The Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) is a
with the PPP’s Societal and Economic Research
13
by François Massonnet YOPP Sea Ice Experts: Farewell major international activity that has been
and Applications (PPP-SERA) Task Team.
and Welcome initiated by the World Meteorological
p. 30 by Kirstin Werner and Helge Goessling Organization as a key component of the
Finally, you will also find an update on COVID-19
Polar Prediction Project (PPP).
has impacted PPP and YOPP. Looking into the
06
The overarching goal of YOPP is to
Background Story – Tell it with a future, it is very likely that most of the activities
significatnly advance our environmental
Comic planned for 2020 and 2021 will be held online.
14
p. 19 Sharing Geoscience Online – prediction capabilities for the polar regions
by Sara Pasqualetto In fact, it may very well be the case that the
and beyond.
Joint YOPP-APPLICATE Session next and final onsite meetings of the YOPP
As an internationally coordinated period of
p. 31 at EGU2020 Consolidation Phase will the Polar Prediction
intensive observing, modelling, prediction,
07
by Kirstin Werner School in Abisko (March 2022) and the
Antarctic Meteorology verfication, user-engagement, and
YOPP Final Summit in Montreal (May
and Climate Special education activities which involves va-
2022). However, this should not
p. 20 Issue rious stakeholders, YOPP contributes
prevent us from doing exciting
15
by Jenny Lin YOPP at APECS Workshop to the
research.
“Antarctic Science: Global knowledge base needed to mana-
08 Connections” ge the opportunities and risks that
Special Issue on the Societal p. 32 Happy reading,
by Clare Eyars come with
Value of Improving Forecasting polar climate change.
Thomas Jung
p. 21 by Daniela Liggett
photo: Martina Buchholz/
Alfred Wegener Institute
2
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE: 01
Watercolour Drawings from MOSAiC Leg 3 This Year is Difficult to Predict
by Amy Macfarlane, WSL Institute for Snow and It‘s difficult to give gifts whilst onboard as we by Kirstin Werner, Alfred Wegener Institute and systems enabling nice and sunny conditions.
Avalanche Research, Switzerland exhausted the shop’s chocolate and sweets supply International Coordination Office for However, “the current weather in Germany
after a few weeks, I found myself often drawing Polar Prediction resembles more of a typical mid-European summer”,
Good practice on board Polarstern is for the small birthday cards to give a personal gift to says Majewski, “with more instability due to rapidly
science team to leave an entry in Polarstern’s my friends. When we started the journey back The World Meteorological Organization is moving short-term low-pressure areas over Europe,
guestbook after each expedition leg. For leg 3 of to Svalbard I offered to make the expedition‘s concerned about the decrease of airborne allowing at maximum some three to four days of
the MOSAiC campaign, Amy Macfarlane, PhD guestbook entry. So many unique events had atmospheric observations due to the suspension sunny weather before chilly temperatures are back.”
student at the Snow and Avalanche Research happened over the leg, it was extremely easy to of commercial air traffic since mid-March. The In Germany, this can be felt in particular at the
Institute in Switzerland, prepared a watercolour come up with ideas to incorporate each colleague German Weather Service starts using additional coasts, for example close to the North Sea.
collage that captured many of the events that into the drawing either with their work or expedition data from radiosondes’ sinking to the ground.
happened during the 5-month leg and each team hobbies. I could have added to this collage for a long While many of the research campaigns planned Missing an Historic Event while MOSAiC
member either with their work or expedition time but after 5 months(!) the leg came to an end as for this and the coming season in the Arctic Continues
hobbies. we saw Svalbard. and Antarctic were cancelled and others are Close to the North Sea is home for Stefanie Arndt,
postponed, the one-year ice drift MOSAiC goes sea-ice scientist at the German Alfred Wegener
After starting a PhD at the Snow and Avalanche The same evening, due to a last-minute drop out, I on. How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the Institute (AWI). After 145 days being away from
Research Institute in Switzerland, I found myself was invited to stay for leg 4. I found myself heading polar prediction community? Bremerhaven, Arndt returned to Germany only four
packing to join MOSAiC leg 3. As I prepared for back to the Arctic. A 3-month trip now turning into weeks ago. Together with more than one hundred
what was to 8 months. and I There are years when the weather can be forecast German and international people, she spent the
be a 3- month couldn‘t be more more easily than in other years. “The COVID-19 time when the pandemic peaked in Europe in the
expedition, grateful for the year is one with the summer being more difficult central Arctic aboard the German research vessel
my flat mates thoughtful gift of to predict than for example last year’s summer”, Polarstern. “While I definitely missed what can only
gifted me with watercolour paints says Detlev Majewski, head of the German be considered an historic event with entirely empty
watercolour paints and paintbrushes Meteorological Service’s department Meteorological streets and people in Germany panic buying pasta
and paintbrushes that I will take back Analysis and Numerical Modeling. In March, when and toilet paper, the pandemic had a huge impact
for my time to the ice with me the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe forced people to MOSAiC. Instead of three, I have now spent
away. During to keep me settled to move their entire lives to home, the weather was five months in total away from home, and for some
eventful and on this (sometimes still dominated by longer-term stable high-pressure
demanding times quite wild)
onboard, when adventure.
ice dynamics
destroyed the
runway and
limited handover
photo: Delphin Ruché
plans, working in -40 degree temperatures on the
ice and hearing about family and friends at home in
quarantine, I turned to drawing.
My work on MOSAiC is researching the snow
on the sea ice and understanding how it changes
throughout the seasons both physically and
chemically. I have no installations on the ice,
therefore the number of times I put on my thick
snow boots and walked down the gangway directly
correlated to the quantity and value of the data.
Every evening I was physically exhausted from
pulling a sledge over the ice and when I finished
Watercolour cartoons by Amy Macfarlane are spread over the entire
with lab work and data entry I often got out my PolarPredictNews #15 newsletter. Find the drawing as a whole in the
watercolours as it‘s an easy task with aching middle of the issue – you may want to print it as a poster to decorate Stefanie Arndt and her colleague work on the ice during MOSAiC leg 3 (photo: Steven Fons/Alfred Wegener Institute).
muscles. your (home) office walls.
4 5
time, there was a huge uncertainty amongst the says Rex in the German podcast ‘Arctic Drift – Das
team about how and when the next exchange of the Audiologbuch’.
expedition legs would happen. At the same time, at
least I myself have never worried about anything Drastic Decrease in Airborne Atmospheric
but my family’s health.” Eventually, the MOSAiC Observations
project board and logistic team found a good One huge impact of COVID-19 the World
solution for the teams’ exchange. After a number Meteorological Organization has been concerned
of international requests and negotiations, the two about was the number of weather observations
German research vessels RV Maria S. Merian and going down due to the drastic decrease in flight
RV Sonne were finally able to assist in swapping traffic. “Overall, the decrease in the number of
the science teams, crews and captains. Participants commercial flights has resulted in a reduction of in
of leg 4 had to stay quarantined in a hotel in certain regions up to ninety percent in observations
Bremerhaven for two weeks in May before boarding of meteorological measurements from aircraft
the vessels at Bremerhaven port. In a Svalbard fjord, platforms”, states the WMO in their press release
they met with RV Polarstern in early June for the from 7 May 2020. Typically, commercial airliners of
transfer. MOSAiC leader and chief scientist of leg 43 airlines and several thousand aircraft contribute
4 Markus Rex is proud of the MOSAiC logistic to the WMO Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay
team who assessed all possible options to make (AMDAR) programme with daily over 800,000
the transfer happen: “It had been a difficult time high-quality automatic observations of atmospheric
for MOSAiC, and sometimes it was not clear at all temperature, wind speed and direction, and
whether the Aikaterini Tavri is launching a weather balloon from Polarstern‘s helicopter deck during MOSAiC leg 4. Polarstern was the first
expedition location where radiosonde descents were recorded. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the German Weather Service to speed up the
would go on, process to implement meteorological data from all German radiosondes during descent, it has been operational since July 2020
but in the (photo: Lisa Grosfeld/Alfred Wegener Institute).
end, while Why not Measure while Radiosonde Sinks the new software to make sure the data is recorded
most of the In order to keep up the good quality of forecasts in both the DWD and the Polarstern system and
international despite the decrease in airborne observations since then being fed into the Global Telecommunication
expeditions mid-March, the German Weather Service (DWD) System (GTS) of the WMO where it is available
had to be reacted quickly. Not only did they increase the for the national weather centers to use the data to
cancelled number of weather balloon launches over Germany initiate their forecasts”. Since May 2020, data from
due to the since early April, they used the humidity data from all radiosondes’ dives in Germany are recorded and
Corona virus, the Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS as used in the DWD’s global and regional forecast
MOSAiC well as radar volume data to measure radial wind models. “MeteoSwiss, the UK Met Office and other
continues”. and precipitation. The DWD also initiated the use European countries have also prompted to follow
During the of the radiosondes’ descents for obtaining additional us and started to measure atmospheric data during
time when Number of observational data per day used in the global DWD model ICON in June 2019 (left) vs. May 2020. atmospheric data. Previously, radiosondes had their sondes’ descents”, says Cress.
Polarstern A decrease from about 10 to 4 per cent of assimilated data from airborne observations is caused by the reduced recorded meteorological data only during ascents.
left the But why not measure atmospheric data also after the Modest Impact at the Poles?
central Arctic sea-ice observatory unwatched for increasingly also adding humidity and turbulence weather balloon has burst in the stratosphere, which Recording the radiosondes’ drop down over the
some weeks, most of the research camp needed measurements. In June 2019 about ten per cent of usually happens around thirty kilometers elevation, small research town Ny-Alesund on Svalbard
to be packed. However, some of the autonomous the data assimilated into the global DWD ICON and sondes sink to the ground? The radiosonde would require both additional personnel to adjust
instruments left on the ice floe during the vessel’s model were from airborne observations, reducing to manufacturer Vaisala had already equipped their the software and consultation with the Norwegian
absence continued measurements. “After our only about four per cent in May 2020. In a test run radiosonde model 41 with the ability to measure Meteorological Institute through which the
return to the floe, re-building of the research camp by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather data while the sonde drops down. “Polarstern atmospheric data is transmitted to the GTS. “But
happened within just a week”, says Rex who came Forecasts (ECMWF) all airborne observations were was the first location where we tested the data since there aren’t a lot of commercial overflights in
back to an Arctic Ocean bathed in 24-hour-daylight, removed from the forecast. “The sensitivity studies uptake during the radiosondes’ descent starting in the Arctic, we wouldn’t expect a lot of atmospheric
much different from what he had experienced during have shown that in particular the short-range wind September 2019”, says Alexander Cress, a senior data loss across the North Pole”, says Detlev
the dark Arctic winter conditions during leg 1. This and temperature forecasts at 11 to 12 kilometers research scientist in the data assimilation section Majewski. Indeed, weather observations have not
time it is a light version of the research camp as the height – which is a typical aircraft cruising altitude of the German Weather Service‘s Meteorological been strongly impacted so far in the Arctic, confirms
ongoing instability of ice floe requires flexibility – would degrade by up to 15%, with significant Analysis and Numerical Modeling department. Marion Maturilli, head of the Meteorological
and the possibility to rapidly pack up instruments. degradations at all forecast ranges up to seven Cress was the one who initiated and supported from Observatory of the AWIPEV Research Base in
“However, we might also be able to stay on this ice days”, states ECMWF on 24 March 2020 in a news Germany this very first test run in the central Arctic. Ny-Alesund, Svalbard. “For research campaigns
floe until the end of this phase of the expedition”, article on their website. “It included a little bit of puzzling out how to install in February and March and during the YOPP
6 7
Targeted Observing Period around and after “The exchange of the overwintering team will take measurements are drastically reduced”, reports or Antarctic very much (37%) or at least to some
Easter, we launched weather balloons every six place during austral summer as scheduled. Routine Lynne Talley, professor for oceanography at the extent (52%). So far, the working situation of more
hours. Otherwise, we did one radiosonde per meteorological measurements and maintenance of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of than 40% of the survey participants has not been
day.“ However, the crisis already had impact on a instruments will thus be secured also for the coming California, San Diego. impacted by COVID-19 while more than 30% (50%
research campaign using the German Polar 5 and 6 year at the Neumayer station”, says Schmithüsen. of female respondents) indicated that they would
aircraft within the YOPP-endorsed (AC)³ project. Impact to Research Operations Strongly now have less time to carry out research due to
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused all National Expected additional duties (including childcare, household
Antarctic Programmes to reconsider how they Resulting from a recent, non-representative survey etc.). Only 13% of the survey participants expect
can support the coming field season, with a united carried out by the YOPP International Coordination the national lock downs to impact the quality of
focus on keeping Antarctica free from the virus”, Office, there is concern among the polar Arctic or Antarctic forecast while there exists a huge
is stated by Antarctica News Zealand which is prediction community regarding a potential gap uncertainty (more than 45%). More than 30% do
New Zealand‘s government agency responsible for in the collection of polar data and the subsequent not consider the pandemic to have any impact to
carrying out activities in Antarctica. Therefore, plans deterioration of observational quality that might forecast quality. However, operations are expected
are to only support essential operational activities reduce the amount of data assimilated into numerical to being impacted “very much” (more than 40%) or
and planned maintenance in the austral summer models which eventually could lead to a loss of at least “a little bit” (more than 20%) during the next
season 2020/2021. forecast accuracy. “Several field campaigns have field seasons in the Arctic and Antarctic.
been cancelled or changed which will affect the
“Regarding ships‘ operations, to my knowledge availability for observational data to compare with Much of the personal communication and exchange
all levels of weather forecast communication for numerical models”, says meteorology professor at is now being compensated by video conferencing.
merchant ships have been reported as ‘regular’”, Stockholm University Gunilla Svensson who leads “In some cases, this new way of networking might
says Thomas Viguier, a former Safety and Security the YOPPSiteMIP effort to evaluate model output even be an advantage, with new collaborations
Survey Question 1: The pandemic so far has impacted my Officer of Merchant Marine now working as a with polar observations. between far-apart colleagues being established and
daily operations/life/the research I am involved with in the researcher at the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation online conferences being much more accessible to
Arctic and/or Antarctica?
Network in Akureyri, Iceland. “However, maritime If travel restrictions continue and only limited everyone”, says Helge Goessling, climate scientist
traffic reduced drastically mainly due to the staff is allowed to stay at the polar research at the Alfred Wegener Institute. “The reduced
“Our flight campaign to support MOSAiC was impossibility to call at ports, the economic situation stations, maintenance and service requirements carbon footprint of our research community is
supposed to launch in March/April 2020, aligned and border control.” The cancellation of shipboard for instruments will not be kept at a high level. also a positive aspect. Some aspects, however, will
to the YOPP Targeted Observations. But because operations also affects this year’s research cruises “The installation of a new tall tower automatic be difficult to compensate if strong constraints
during this time there was no way to travel to that were already underway but are now cancelled. weather station (AWS) at Byrd Station is now due to the pandemic remain. For example, the
Svalbard from where we would have departed, the “Even for next year, all cruises in the Indian Ocean delayed, as is much of the field work to maintain establishment of research networks by young
entire activity had to be cancelled”, says Manfred sector of Southern Ocean were cancelled already the AWS network”, says scientists and intense
Wendisch who is a meteorology professor at the so opportunities to deploy buoys or moorings have Matthew Lazzara, research workshops where
University of Leipzig and leads (AC)³. The second been changing rapidly, and shipboard support meteorologist and principal people stick their heads
MOSAiC aircraft campaign is, however, scheduled investigator of the United together for a few days
to take place as planned in August/September States’ Antarctic Automatic to advance the science.
2020. Other atmospheric science field work in Weather Station Program This can hardly be done
Greenland, the Canadian Arctic or in Alaska has that is maintained by the online.”
been either cancelled or postponed. Remote stations Antarctic Meteorological
such as Summit in Greenland might eventually run Research Center at the Early-career scientists
out of helium and therefore need to reduce their University of Wisconsin- might indeed be
radiosounding frequency. Madison. seriously affected
from the pandemic
At the other side of the world, at the German In the survey that was as field work for PhD
Antarctic research station Neumayer, the impact open from 6 to 20 July projects is getting
of COVID-19 so far seems to be modest. Holger 2020, the majority of the delayed and networking
Schmithüsen who leads the meteorological 47 respondents indicated opportunities shrink to a
observatory at Neumayer does not expect that the pandemic so far minimum. Irlanda Mora
the pandemic to impact routine atmospheric has impacted their daily Rosales did her Master
measurements from the station. However, again, operations, life and/or
Survey Question 3: Did/Will the national lock downs impact the in Antarctic Sciences at
quality of weather and sea ice forecasts in/around your area of
research activities for the next Antarctic summer Survey Question 2: The COVID-19 situation has given me
their research in the Arctic operations in the Arctic and/or Antarctica? the Chilean University
more time to work on scientific results.
season have already been cancelled or postponed. of Magallanes. “Doing
8 9
02
science in South America is very difficult Towards Improved Forecasts in Northern Europe with a New Snow
as education is not a priority. We already
have social, economics, ethics, and now also Model Forecast Experiment
‘pandemic’ problems.”
by Jonny Day and Gabriele Arduini, European showcase the excellent work done by the Finnish
Wind Speed Measured from Space Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Meteorological Institute (FMI) in collecting rich
It can be considered pure luck that the Earth meteorological data at Sodankylä, a snow covered
observation satellite ADM-Aeolus has The original article has been published at the boreal site in Finnish Lapland (e.g. Essery et al.
been launched by the European Satellite ECMWF Science Blogs. (2016) and Leppänen et al., (2016)) and highlight
Agency at the right time to compensate for their use at ECMWF.
the loss of wind data through the drop in Snow plays a crucial role in weather and climate,
airborne atmospheric observations during the particularly in high latitude and high altitude
COVID-19 pandemic. Every three seconds, a regions which are covered in deep snow either
laser beam is sent from the satellite through the permanently or for large parts of the year. It is an
atmosphere where it is reflected by aerosols important reservoir of fresh water for drinking
Survey Question 4: I expect the pandemic to impact the future
and other particles. The movements of the efforts in research and operations in the Arctic and Antarctica and agriculture, and dramatically influences
particles causes a frequency shift between the with regard to weather and sea-ice forecasts. surface meteorology. Flooding associated with
laser beam and its reflection, the so-called rapid snow melt also poses significant hazard to
Doppler effect, which can be translated into human life. It is, therefore, crucial for weather
The new data sources that have been added during and hydrological forecasting at ECMWF that
a wind speed. Since May 2020, the German spring and summer this year to initiate DWD’s
Weather Service has added this data to initiate forecasts of snow and its influence on the weather
global and regional forecast models will be pursued, are well captured in the forecasting system.
their global forecast model ICON. Considering even after airborne measurements might be back to a
the positive experience which the national pre-pandemic state. “In a way, COVID-19 has forced
weather services are now gaining from using Currently, most operational numerical weather
us to speed up enhancements which were planned prediction (NWP) models use only a single-layer
the laser measurements from space, it has a anyway to improve the quality of forecasts”, says
drop of bitterness when Alex Cress and Detlev snow scheme, which is thought to contribute to
Majewski. “With the additional data, we do not see systematic temperature biases in ECMWF forecasts
Majewski mention that the laser onboard any deterioration of the forecasts’ quality. However,
ADM-Aeolus is still a scientific mission: “After in high latitude regions, including Northern Europe
as I mentioned – in some years, the weather forecast during winter and spring (Arduini et al., 2019).
the laser will be down in probably one and a is more easy. This year is difficult anyway.”
half years, it will take another four to five years Using a single-layer snow scheme can also lead to
to build another laser. But then it will be for errors in the simulation of snow depth and cover.
operational use of wind data”. For example, during spring, the single-layer scheme Top: comparison of coupled atmosphere multi-layer snow
forecasts (coloured shading) with in-situ snow temperature
contributes to sluggish snowmelt. This leads to (a) and snow density (b) measurements (coloured dots) (from
errors in hydrological forecasting but also to errors Arduini et al. (2019)). The observed snow depth is shown with
in temperature, by delaying the transition to snow- a grey line. Figures a & b reproduced under Creative Common
Licence CC BY 4.0.
free conditions in the forecasts.
A state-of-the-art multi-layer snow scheme has Improved 2-Metre Temperature Forecasts
been implemented in an experimental version in the Medium Range
of the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) as A warm bias in night-time temperatures and a cold
part of ECMWF’s contribution to the WMO’s bias during the day is a long-standing error in the
Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) and the H2020- IFS in Northern Europe during spring (page 12
APPLICATE project which is expected to improve Figure a, b and c). Further analysis at Sodankylä
this situation. It is currently under testing within the reveals that this underestimation of the amplitude of
4-dimensional variational (4D-Var) data assimilation the diurnal cycle of 2 m temperature is due to a lack
system and is expected to become operational in a of sensitivity to changes in radiation in the IFS (page
forthcoming operational upgrade. Here, we present 12 Figure d). This lack of sensitivity is partly due to
some examples of the improvements the new snow the use of the single-layer snow model in which the
model will bring to ECMWF forecasts, focused on entire snowpack is represented by one layer and so
Northern Europe. This provides an opportunity to a large thermal inertia can result if the snow pack is
deep, as is the case in Scandinavian regions during
10 11
winter and early spring (see ECMWF Newsletter, sensitivity (leading to more rapid warming in the and density at Sodankylä, from observations and References
Haiden et al., 2018). morning and cooling in the evening) can be seen from forecasts coupled to the multi-layer snow Arduini, G., Balsamo, G., Dutra, E., Day, J.J.,
nicely by looking at how 2 m temperature responds model. Snow temperature is measured by an Sandu, I., Boussetta, S., Haiden, T. 2019: Impact
Introducing the multi-layer scheme reduces these to variations in radiative forcing (Day et al., 2020), array of thermistors which is covered by the snow of a Multi-Layer Snow Scheme on Near-Surface
errors by increasing the amplitude of the diurnal such as the diurnal cycle of solar radiation (page 12 during wintertime, while snow density profiles Weather Forecasts. Journal of Advances in Modeling
cycle of temperature (page 12 Figure c). This is Figure d). are measured every week or so by digging a pit in Earth Systems, doi: 10.1029/2019MS001725
because directly representing a thin top layer of the snow and weighing a snow sample of a certain
snow, with a lower thermal inertia, makes the Realistic vertical snow structure volume at different depths. Day, J.J., Arduini, G., Sandu, I., Magnusson, L.,
surface and near-surface air temperature more When adding a new Earth-system component to the The multilayer snow model captures the propagation Beljaars, A., Balsamo, G. et al. 2020: Measuring the
sensitive to variations in radiative forcing than forecasting system, it is also important to understand of hot and cold waves within the snowpack, which is Impact of a New Snow Model using Surface Energy
is possible with the single-layer scheme, making the changes at the process level. Page 11 figures a a key feature of deep snowpacks. Comparison of Budget Process Relationships. Journal of Advances
the simulation more realistic. This increase in and b show time-height plots of snow temperature the modelled temperature with observations suggests in Earth Systems Modelling [preprint],
that the downward propagation of this cold wave doi: 10.1002/essoar.10502951.1
through the snowpack is well represented by the
model. The temporal evolution of snow density Essery, R., Kontu, A., Lemmetyinen, J., Dumont,
also looks realistic throughout the season (see page M., Ménhard, C.B. 2016: A 7-year dataset for
11 Figure b), even though the snow density of the Driving and Evaluating Snow Models at an
bottom of the snowpack is overestimated by the Arctic Site (Sodankylä, Finland). Geoscientific
model, particularly after February. Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems
Modelling 5(1), 219–227,
These results highlight the motivation and the doi: 10.5194/gi-5-219-2016
impact that the new snow model is expected to
have on ECMWF forecasts. They also provide Haiden, T., Sandu, I., Balsamo, G., Arduini, G.,
an excellent example of how process-oriented Beljaars, A. 2018: Addressing Biases in Near-
evaluation of model developments at supersites, Surface Forecasts. ECMWF. ECMWF Newsletter
such as Sodankylä, helps to ensure that model 157), 20–25.
developments are improving forecasts for the right
reasons. However, clearly there is more to do to Leppänen, L., Kontu, A., Hannula, H.-R., Sjöblom,
understand and improve systematic forecast errors H., Pulliainen, J. 2016: Sodankylä Manual Snow
at this complex site, where interplay between snow, Survey Program. Geoscientific Instrumentation,
forest and atmosphere create a complex web of Methods and Data Systems Modelling 5(1), 163–
interactions. Work to further understand the sources 179, doi: 10.5194/gi-5-163-2016
of error at Sodankylä, and other Arctic sites will be
conducted as part of INTERACTIII.
Top: Spatial map of March–April daily minimum (a) and maximum (b) temperature error for the ECMWF operational system
at a lead time of 2 days. Bottom: (c) March–April mean diurnal cycle of 2 m temperature at Sodankylä in observations and in
the ECMWF forecasting system with single-layer and multi-layer snow. (d) Mean temperature for each hour of the day as a
function of downwelling shortwave radiation (numbers on the observed curve represent the hour of the day in UTC).
12 13
03
Combining Modeling and Observations for Improved Sea-Ice Predictions
by Lars Nerger, Alfred Wegener Institute Data assimilation combines models with real sea-surface temperature and sea-ice properties like
observational data. In the study, this methodology thickness, concentration and drift velocity.
The original article has been published on the is used to generate improved model fields which Including the data assimilation, the sea ice and the
Helmholtz ESM webpage. are then used to initialize the computation of model ocean circulation becomes more realistic, as can be
predictions. Other applications of data assimilation shown when comparing the study with independent,
In a study recently published in the Journal of are the assessment of model error and an optimized non-assimilated observations. In general, the data-
Advances in Modelling Earth Systems, a seamless representation of model processes. assimilation methodology is configured in a way
sea-ice prediction system is introduced with a that each observation type can influence all model
focus on the data assimilation component. A particularity of the model and data assimilation variables. These effects can be assessed by studying
system is that a so-called coupled model – the single data types. For example, the sea-ice drift
Sea ice is an important component of the Earth Alfred-Wegener-Institute Climate Model (AWI-CM) velocities help to improve the representation of the
system because it strongly influences heat exchanges – was used. AWI-CM simulates interactions between sea-ice thickness, and the sea-surface temperature
between the ocean and the atmosphere. Models the ocean and sea ice as well as the atmosphere and observations improve the ocean circulation at mid
are used to predict the state of the sea-ice over land surface. In this study, the data assimilation depth.
time scales from days to years. In a recent study, software Parallel Data Assimilation Framework
published in the Journal of Advances in Modeling (PDAF) is directly connected to AWI-CM to provide The study by Mu et al. is therefore an important
Earth Systems, Longjiang Mu and his colleagues online data-assimilation functionality. Directly step toward a fully-featured sea-ice prediction
from the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz combining the model with the data assimilation as system. It further builds the sea-ice component of
Centre for Polar and Marine Research developed done here reduces the computation time. In the study the assimilation system that is currently developed
and assessed a seamless sea-ice prediction system by Mu et al., the data assimilation focused on ocean in the Advanced Earth System Modelling Capacity
with a focus on the data assimilation component. and sea ice, by assimilating observations of the (ESM) project funded by the German Helmholtz
Association (see more here). Within the ESM
project, also other observations of the ocean and the
atmosphere will be assimilated into various models
to find good initial fields for prediction simulations,
but also for the assessment of the models’ skills.
Reference
Mu, L., Nerger, L., Tang, Q., Losa, S.N.,
Sidorenko, D., Wang, Q., Semmler, T.,
Zampieri, L., Losch, M., Goessling,
H.F. 2020: Toward a Data Assimilation
System for Seamless Sea Ice
Prediction Based on the AWI
Climate Model. Journal of
Advances in Modeling Earth
Systems 12.
doi: 10.1029/2019MS001937
Sea-ice drift velocity averaged over the years 2008-2018 in the Arctic and Antarctic. Left column: the experiment without data
assimilation, middle column: the experiment with data assimilation with improved drift, right column: comparison data from the
Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility (OSISAF) (source: Mu et al., for details see text).
14 15
04
Improving Weather Forecasts in the Arctic
by Anna Kathinka Dalland Evans, Norwegian The primary objective of the Alertness project is to our thanks to the communication department at the
Meteorological Institute improve Arctic weather forecasts and warnings, for Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research for running
the benefit of maritime operations, business and the technical part of the event smoothly, and to
Special conditions and few available observations society. the communication department at the Norwegian
provide extra challenges when forecasting Meteorological Institute for help in forming the
weather in the northern regions. How do Talking about Weather Forecasting: the content of the event.
researchers work with improving weather Online Event
forecasts in the Arctic? The event, which was broadcasted on Youtube, The lectures and discussion are available online
included four short popular science talks, as well here (in Norwegian).
Close to a hundred viewers followed the open as a session where a panel of researchers from The
live streaming event when researchers from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, The University After the talks, a panel of researchers from The Norwegian
YOPP-endorsed Alertness project invited everyone Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and the Bjerknes Centre Meteorological Institute, The University Centre in Svalbard
interested to join them in a set of open lectures on
About: Alertness
for Climate Research, answered questions from the (UNIS) and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, answe-
this subject on May 27, 2020. audience.
red questions from the audience (screenshot: Matilda Hallers- Alertness (Advanced models and weather
tig).
prediction in the Arctic) is a 4-year (2018–2021)
The event was supposed to have taken place in Matilda Hallerstig is currently working on a Ph.D. research project about Arctic weather prediction
a weather forecast is made, and why it does not
Longyearbyen at Svalbard but was moved to an thesis within the Alertness project at NORCE/ financed by the Norwegian Research Council.
always correspond to the actual weather that people
online platform due to the current COVID-19 Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research. She kicked The aim is to develop world leading capacity
experience.
situation. off the online event with her story about how she for the delivery of reliable and accurate Arctic
moved from working as a weather forecaster in the Finally, project lead for Alertness Jørn Kristiansen weather forecasts and warnings for the benefit
“People in the north naturally have an extra interest city of Tromsø in the north of Norway, to working of maritime operations, business and society.
from The Norwegian Meteorological Institute
in the weather and in precise weather forecasting“, with research on improving weather models. A text Alertness is led by the Meteorological Institute
explained how the people involved in Alertness
says Marius Jonassen, who lives in Longyearbyen version of this story is available at Science Norway. of Norway (MET Norway) and is a cooperation
work with improving weather forecasts in the north.
and works at the University Centre in Svalbard Hallerstig had also contributed an an article to Polar between MET Norway, the University of Bergen
They work with developing the AROME Arctic
(UNIS). Jonassen is co-lead for the Alertness Prediction Matters dialogue platform maintained by (UiB), the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE),
model in ways related to data assimilation, sub-
research project. “We have a lot of field activities the PPP International Coordination Office. the University of Tromsø (UiT), The Royal
grid scale parameterisations and the generation of
with our students and staff“, he explains. “And in Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI),
ensembles. “I would like to thank everyone who
this context, precise weather forecasting is extremely Marius Jonassen talked about the importance of the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing
contributed into making this open event a success“,
important for safety reasons.“ accurate weather forecasts for students and staff at Center (NERSC) and The University Centre in
Kristiansen says. “An important aspect of Alertness
UNIS and gave examples from field work conducted is that academic researchers collaborate directly Svalbard (UNIS).
in Svalbard. Morten Køltzow, researcher from The with operational forecasting centres, and this was
Norwegian Meteorological Institute, explained how presented very nicely.“ Alertness home page:
Students from the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) on
a field trip in Isfjorden, Svalbard (photo: Nils Roar Sælthun/ https://www.alertness.no/en/home
UNIS). Thanks to everyone who gave talks and were part
of the discussion panel, and to those who watched Alertness is endorsed by the Year of Polar
the event live online and asked great questions. Also Prediction (YOPP).
16 17
05 06
Third Coordinated Sea-Ice Forecast Experiment in the Southern Ocean Background Story – Tell it with a Comic
by François Massonnet, Université Catholique de forecasts in the Southern Ocean. SIPN South has by Sara Pasqualetto, Alfred Wegener Institute organized by the European Commission and the
Louvain, Belgium just issued its third post-season report evaluating and International Coordination Office for Polar Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized
forecasts submitted in late November 2019 and Prediction Enterprises (EASME). While Jung was discussing
The Sea Ice Prediction Network South (SIPN targeting the three-month period December the APPLICATE project and its objectives and
South) just issued its third post-season report 2019-February 2020 (report available here). Thinking of alternative ideas to get scientific results, among the audience, the artist Fiammetta
evaluating forecasts of sea-ice conditions around results across is becoming a greater part of the Ghedini transformed his words and science graphs
Antarctica for the austral sea-ice One of the key findings, already science process. Not only for peer-reviewed into a drawing.
minimum season 2019/2020. hinted at last year, is that publications but also when writing research
forecasts based on statistical proposals and managing science projects, In an interview with Fiammetta Ghedini, who
Operations in the Southern Ocean approaches seem more skillful communication plays a crucial and ever founded RIVA Illustration, we discuss with her what
are intensifying, both as a result of than forecasts based on fully increasing role. The question often is: how to is behind this and many other illustrations created
increased scientific interest for this coupled dynamical models. This deliver my message to a larger audience, without by her start-up, we talk about visual storytelling and
remote region and a growing interest indicates a large potential for losing important pieces in the process? the relation between science and art. Read the full
from stakeholders. Navigating improvement in our physical article in the YOPP Background Stories.
Antarctic waters is not without risk understanding of the Southern A team of researchers and artists thought about
though. The presence of sea ice, Ocean sea ice using process- this and came up with a brilliant solution to make
even in summer months, can hinder based models. Key regions like science fun and more accessible: On the occasion
the progression of vessels and, in the worst case, the Ross Sea appear to be intrinsically difficult to of the AAAS Annual Meeting in Seattle (see also
become a real danger. In recent years, the study predict and strongly influenced by unpredictable PPP news item from 10 February 2020), artists
of sea-ice predictability in the Southern Ocean weather events. from the RIVA Illustrations start-up company
has progressed and several potential mechanisms created amazing pieces of art, inspired by the
have been identified that bear promise for skillful SIPN South will continue to collect forecast for the scientific presentations at the meeting. APPLICATE
predictions. coming years, including for the winter YOPP-SH coordinator and PPP Steering Group chair Thomas
Special Observing Period that is scheduled for mid- Jung was among the presenters of the session on The
SIPN South is an international initiative endorsed April to mid-July 2022. Future of Earth’s Climate: A World of Extremes?,
by the Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP), that aims
at coordinating realistic seasonal summer sea-ice Find the SIPN South website here.
Live drawing by Fiammetta Ghedini from the presentation “Frontiers in Earth System Modeling: Where Do We Go From Here?“
Antarctic sea ice (photo: Thomas Ronge/Alfred Wegener Institute). at AAAS 2020.
18 1907 08
Antarctic Meteorology and Climate Special Issue Special Issue on the Societal Value of Improved Forecasting
by Jenny Lin, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences producing important information for policymakers“, by Daniela Liggett, University of Christchurch, New increase in users also producing weather and climate
said Ming Xue, an AAS editor-in-chief, and Zealand information and vice versa. This development seems
The original article was published in Eurek Alert! professor and director of the Center for Analysis and to go hand in hand with a move away from nation
Prediction of Storms at the University of Oklahoma The academic journal Polar Geography has states and the public sector as the main providers
The Advances in Atmospheric Sciences special in Norman, Oklahoma. just published a special issue Societal Value of of WWIC service towards a more prominent role
issue entitled, Antarctic Meteorology and Climate: Improved Forecasting that compiles a range of for the private sector in this space. Overall, the
Past, Present and Future presents latest findings The special issue also indicates that long-term papers detailing work that has been undertaken articles in this special issue address some important
from expanded and ongoing research efforts weather and climate changes are already underway in conjunction with the PPP’s Societal and questions regarding the use of WWIC and user
in Antarctic meteorology, weather prediction, across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean with Economic Research and Applications (PPP- needs as well as provider priorities. But they
climate variability and climate change. potentially far-reaching consequences, which will be SERA) Task Team. also raise further questions that serve as a timely
the object of future research. reminder that further work is needed on the effects
The issue presents research conducted during PPP-SERA championed this special issue as a shifts in the WWIC actorscape, infrastructure and
the Year of Polar Prediction – an international Predict the Future Antarctic Climate more community-building effort that also aims at reaching funding landscape have for the continued and
effort by the World Meteorological Organization Accurate out to stakeholders world-wide. The publications reliable provision of WWIC services, ideally with
to improve predictions of weather, climate and “Climate change research in the Antarctic is featured in this special issue showcase research the aim of reducing risks and improving operational
sea-ice conditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. relatively neglected compared to the Arctic,“ said results and perspectives on “the use and potential (and environmental) health and safety in the polar
This collection of peer-reviewed papers provides Jiping Liu, the issue‘s lead editor and associate improvement of WWIC [weather, water, ice and regions.
evidence of variability and change in Antarctic professor at the University at Albany in Albany, climate] services for the polar regions in an effort
environmental conditions, mostly based on enhanced New York. “However, it‘s clear that climate change to translate scientific and technological advances The Special Issue in Polar Geography, Volume 43
observations carried out during the YOPP Special is already impacting the Antarctic and that studying into societal value” (Lamers & Liggett, 2020). The (2–3), 2020 can be found here.
Observing Period in the Southern Ocean, the most the changes is vital, because it enables us to predict authors examine the
extensive period of observations ever conducted in the future climate more accurately.“ multiple and complex
and around Antarctica. ways of producing and
Signs of climate change in the Antarctic, added using WWIC information
More Reliable Weather Forecasts and Liu, include a strong warming over the Antarctic in the polar regions and
Climate Predictions Peninsula, a deepening of the Amundsen Sea low, shed light on who is
YOPP efforts in the Southern Hemisphere stimulated rapid warming of the upper ocean north of the involved in this process,
additional research in Antarctic meteorology circumpolar current, an increase of sea ice since what their information
and climate by enabling the late 1970s followed by needs are, what kind
increased data collection and a recent rapid decrease and of information systems
enhanced computing power accelerated ice loss from ice and infrastructures are
for modeling. The AAS special shelf/sheet during the same being utilized, how data
issue suggests that future period is being managed, and
Antarctic weather forecasts how WWIC services
and climate predictions will “This is the second special are funded. To this end,
be more reliable based on the issue published by AAS regional case studies are
combined new insights into highlighting scientific included in this special
the atmosphere, land surface, progress in important areas issue and highlight
ocean conditions and sea-ice addressed by the YOPP“, how diverse the WWIC
variability – ultimately making said Thomas Jung, professor ‘actorscape’ is, and what
operations in Antarctica and the at the Alfred Wegener current capabilities and
Southern Ocean safer. Institute in Bremerhaven, constraints frame WWIC
Germany, and YOPP information provision and
“These studies make coordinator. “In 2018, AAS use.
important contributions to our also published a special
understanding of the weather issue focusing on the impact There is increasing
and climate systems in the of Arctic change on Eurasian erosion of the duality of
polar regions and can improve climate and weather.“ WWIC information users
future climate projections while versus providers and an
20 2109 10
Improving Weather, Water, Ice and Climate Information in the YOPP Endorsement Open until 2021
Canadian Arctic Projects, initiatives and institutions that outstanding. As for the regular YOPP endorsement,
The Canadian project Community WWIC Uses aims to better understand what Canadian Arctic contribute to the aims of the Year of Polar activities that request blind endorsement will receive
and Needs (CWWICUN) recently received YOPP communities need to inform safe travel and how Prediction are invited to request YOPP a YOPP endorsement letter. However, to treat certain
Endorsement. CWWICUN looks at improving the required information can be better accessed and endorsement until the end of 2021. A ‘blind’ activities more confidentially, they will not be listed
the weather, water, ice and climate information communicated. Local research coordinators are YOPP-endorsement process is now also available on the YOPP-endorsement page until funding is
and services available to Canadian Inuit facilitating surveys in their home communities, and on request for competitive funding situations. secured. Through the blind YOPP endorsement, it is
communities. responses will inform service providers and policy also possible to preclude particular reviewers.
makers with the ultimate goal of improving WWIC The Polar Prediction Project (PPP) and its flagship
For people living in the Canadian Arctic, information and service delivery from local to Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) initiative Institutional Endorsement
information on weather and ice conditions are international scales. provide a unique collaboration and coordination Institutional YOPP endorsement is also still
crucial for planning their daily life and work. opportunity for researchers involved in increasing available. Research institutes and operational
However, with the ongoing changes in climate and More information on CWWICUN can be found on the understanding and improvement of polar forecasting centers whose activities contribute to the
industrial development, weather, water, ice and the project‘s website. environmental prediction. Projects, initiatives and success of YOPP are invited to request institutional
climate (WWIC) information and services have institutions may seek endorsement from the PPP YOPP endorsement. This differs from the project
become less unpredictable, posing a risk for Inuit CWWICUN and other YOPP-endorsed projects can Steering Group. Benefits of YOPP endorsement YOPP endorsement in the way that it addresses
and other northern residents. The CWWICUN be found at the data base https://apps3.awi.de/YPP/ include increased visibility of research activities general contributions to improving polar predictive
project led by Gita Ljubicic, an Associate Professor endorsed/projects. (kw/nm) (e.g., listing on the PPP website, featuring in skill rather than individual academic projects or
in the School of Earth, Environment and Society PolarPredictNews newsletter); an international programmes often sponsored through third-party
at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada), framework for research to help leverage support funding. With the institutional endorsement, the PPP
and funding; improved coordination between Steering Group provides the possibility for research
different activities; and enhanced networking and consortia such as operational weather forecasting
Boats navigating sea ice during June break-up in Pangnirtung Fiord, Nunavut (photo: Gita Ljubicic). communication within the PPP/YOPP community. centres and academic institutions to link with the
The opportunity for receiving YOPP endorsement Year of Polar Prediction. (kw/tj/jw)
has been extended until the end of 2021.
Further information can be found https://
Blind YOPP Endorsement www.polarprediction.net/key-yopp-activities/
A blind YOPP endorsement yopp-endorsement/ or via email to office@
process has now been introduced. polarprediction.net.
This new mechanism
will allow people to
request
YOPP endorsement for
competitive projects
for which a funding
decision is still
22 2311
Two New Contributions to Polar Prediction Matters
Two new contributions to Polar Prediction In this contribution to Polar Prediction Matters,
Matters – the dialogue platform for users and Jennifer Ross, PhD student at the University of
providers of forecast in the polar regions – have Sheffield, describes the risks of sea-level rise and
been published. In Risk and Reward, Jennifer iceberg abundance in the Nordic Seas caused by the
Ross summarizes on the risks of the currently ongoing Greenland Ice Sheet melt. While there are
ongoing Greenland ice sheet melting, and the fluctuations between seasons, the general trend of
rewards to reliably predict and prevent harmful increased numbers of icebergs and meltwater input
conditions. As an expert in Arctic shipping and over the years is likely to further rise. There is thus
maritime industries, Thomas Viguier provides a need to better understand and predict the risks that
insights on why it is so important to have are associated with both, enhanced flooding and
accurate ice and weather predictions on board potential impacts to coastal areas, as well as hazards
and what challenges the currently available for ships and offshore platforms in the open ocean.
forecast software on the bridge are facing. To reliably forecast risks and thus help prevent
hazards in the open ocean will be most rewarding
Risk and Reward to scientists and forecasters able to support
Today, the Earth’s ice sheets are constantly losing environmentally safe operations in the northern
mass because of climate change. With about 79% regions. (kw/nm)
ice-covered surface, Greenland has the second-
largest ice sheet worldwide, after Antarctica. Find Jennifer Ross‘ Polar Prediction Matters article
Ongoing melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet strongly here.
affects the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, through sea- Example of an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) (source: http://www.gemrad.com/integrated-bridge-solutions/).
level rise and iceberg release. This not only causes Ice and Weather Forecast Software on
the global ocean circulation to destabilize, but the board Merchant Vessels electronic ice and weather forecast software has
water masses and numbers of icebergs released into Shipping in polar regions is challenged by extreme been introduced and is nowadays the preferred tool
the sea also bear a number of risks for human and ice and weather conditions. Over the past years, for navigation from the bridge. It not only provides
environment. information about the current weather and ice
situation but displays forecasts to support officers in
their decision-making process. About: Polar Prediction Matters
Polar Prediction Matters is a non-peer
Focused on the interactions between the final users
reviewed forum initiated as a means to foster
and the software application, Thomas Viguier, an
the dialogue between those that research,
Arctic researcher working at the Icelandic Arctic
develop, and provide polar environmental
Cooperation Network in Akureyri, Iceland, explains
forecasts and those that use (or could use)
the concept, benefits and challenges of the Integrated
polar environmental forecasts to guide
Bridge System (IBS). “In the IBS approach, there
socio-economic decisions. It is hosted by the
is a clear tendency in making data more accessible
Helmholtz Association of German Research
through software applications to maritime and
Center‘s blog portal and maintained by the
shipping professionals, aiming to reduce risk
International Coordination Office for Polar
related to navigation in polar regions.“ Yet, often
Prediction.
the available software to display weather and ice
forecasts appears complex, lacking user friendliness.
Polar Prediction Matters home page:
Involving maritime end users to develop future on-
https://blogs.helmholtz.de/
board systems will be crucial to rapidly integrate
polarpredictionmatters/
new tools for successful use by the shipping
industry. (kw/tv)
In her new contribution to Polar Prediction Matters, Jennifer Ross writes: „Icebergs have been of public interest since the sinking Find Thomas Viguier‘s Polar Prediction Matters
of the RMS Titanic in 1912, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. While few ships sink from collisions with icebergs in this article here.
region nowadays, due mainly to daily forecasts of iceberg activity, icebergs still pose a direct risk to shipping and stationary plat-
forms in the North-West Atlantic.“ (Photo: Darrel Swift, University of Sheffield)
24 25You can also read
