World Meteorological Organization!
Global Cryosphere Watch!
GCW CryoNet CryoNet is an immediate priority in GCW development The core Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) surface-‐based observa@onal network, called CryoNet, will be comprised of sites with varying capabili@es. It will build on exis@ng cryosphere observing programmes and promote the addi@on of standardized cryospheric observa@ons to exis@ng facili@es in order to create more robust environmental observatories. General objec1ve of CryoNet CryoNet is a comprehensive network of cryospheric in-‐situ observa@ons. Its aims are: §  extensive monitoring of the cryosphere through GCW agreed (standardized) prac1ces for cryospheric observa@ons; §  providing cryospheric data for improved process understanding and modelling; §  providing calibra1on and valida1on data for satellite data; §  linking cryospheric ground truth observa@ons to cryospheric models; §  training in measurement methods. “IUGG urges snow and ice scien@sts, prac@@oners, and scien@sts from related disciplines to adopt these new schemes as standards.” CryoNet covers all components of the cryosphere (glaciers, ice shelves, ice sheets, snow, permafrost, sea ice, river/lake ice) through an extensive approach of standardized in situ observa@ons. There are three types of sites in CryoNet based on the number and type of cryosphere measurements, non-‐cryosphere measurements, and the length of record: “baseline”, “reference”, and “integrated”. Baseline and references sites generally only measure proper@es of the cryosphere, though basic surface meteorology might be included. Reference sites have a long-‐term (at least 10 years) record. Integrated sites are generally single sites that measure a robust set of cryosphere, atmosphere, and/or ocean characteris@cs. They may, however, be comprised of mul@ple sites in a homogenous region. They are par@cularly important for the study of feedbacks and interac@ons between the atmosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and ocean. Site Types To meet diﬀerent user-‐needs and because of the spa@ally distributed nature of diﬀerent components of the cryosphere the CryoNet network of in-‐situ observa@ons is structured into three diﬀerent classes of observa@onal sites. Why be a part of CryoNet? GCW will drive performance and provide mo@va@on for high quality observa@ons. Being a CryoNet site means being part of an interna@onal, opera@onal, global observing system and thus providing observa@ons of known quality for research and knowledge beyond a site’s local region. Being part of a global network brings not only beSer visibility but also a recogni@on of the importance of the observa@ons made at your site. GCW promotes the exchange of knowledge and data, so CryoNet sites may see broader use of their data and products. Credits: IASOA figure - Sandy Starkweather (U. Colorado) and Taneil Uttal (NOAA)