IASOA: International Arctic Systems for Observing the AtmosphereThe International Arctic Systems for Observing the Atmosphere Program is coordinating intensive measurements of the Arctic Atmosphere in Canada, Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden and the U.S. The focus of the program is to combine information so that it can be determined WHY and not just HOW the atmosphere is affecting Arctic climate change). The activities and partnerships initiated during the IPY are expected to continue for decades.
The International Arctic Systems for Observing the Atmosphere program is a story that is still largely unwritten and will depend on the active cooperation and participation of Arctic atmospheric researchers from around the globe. The potential to combining individual station and network measurements in an integrated observing system is tremendous. By combining resources from this program with other IPY programs focusing on hydrology, glaciology, oceanography, terrestrial and biological systems it may be possible to understand the mechanisms of the the entire Arctic system well enough for humans to mitigate undesirable change, and adapt to inevitable change.
IASOA SCAR poster 2008 PDF version