Workshop on Antarctic Sea Ice: 5 - 7 July 2006

Workshop Objectives

Review recent results and developments in the field of Antarctic sea ice thickness.

Identify and synthesize the available data sets on sea ice and snow cover thickness from various measurement programs, including upward-looking sonar, elecromagnetic induction, in situ data, satellite altimetry and gravimetry, and other remote sensing ice and snow thickness products.

Identify key inter-comparison projects between available data sets and explore opportunities for a more integrated approach to producing ice and snow thickness products.

Identify gaps in our current knowledge of sea ice thickness, and improvements that can be made to measurement programs

Plan future field programs for validation of model, instrument and satellite programs, especially during the International Polar Year.

Explore opportunities for creating a data portal to sea ice data sets through an international data centre.

Identify key users of sea ice thickness data and initiate cross-disciplinary studies.

Produce a set of recommendations to international science agencies on the key issues relating to Antarctic sea ice thickness and priority areas of research.

Conduct a training course in ship-based sea ice observations, and encourage maximum participation in the ASPeCt ice observation scheme during IPY and beyond.