The Arctic Observing Summit 2013

Abstract

The Arctic Observing Summit (AOS) was initiated in 2013 as a high-level international forum to provide community-driven, science-based guidance for the design and implementation of a sustained, comprehensive, and integrated Arctic observing system. The biennial summits target scientists, managers, stakeholders, agencies, Arctic community members, and the private sector across all levels, from local to international. The AOS is a Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) task led by the International Study of Arctic Change (ISAC). The inaugural Arctic Observing Summit was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from 30 April to 2 May 2013. In preparation for that meeting, AOS participants and members of the research community provided input and perspectives on specific themes related to the design, implementation, and utility of an adaptive Arctic observing system. To capture and integrate input from a broad range of participants, the AOS encouraged contributions of community-based white papers and statements. This activity continues and will form a part of AOS 2016, to be held in Fairbanks, Alaska. Building on this input and stemming from the AOS white papers, a thematic cluster of papers was selected for publication in this special issue of Arctic. The resulting collection includes both peer-reviewed scientific articles and reports that address AOS themes such as the following: