Objectives and concept

The overall objective is to build an efficient integrated Arctic Observation System (iAOS) by extending, improving and unifying existing systems in the different regions of the Arctic.

Specific objectives:

  1. Establish a Pan-Arctic collaboration between organizations, porgrammes and projects involved in developing Arctic observing systems across EU member states, non-EU countries and transnational organizations.
  2. Develop a Roadmap for future implementation of a Sustainable Arctic Observing System.
  3. Exploit existing observing systems and databases of atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, geosphere and terrestrial data as the backbone of an integrated Arctic Observing System (iAOS) platform.
  4. Contribute to fill gaps of the in situ observing system by use of robust technologies suitable for the Arctic.
  5. Add value to observations through assimilation into models.
  6. Enhance community-based observing programmes by building capacity of scientists and community members to participate in community based research.
  7. Develop and implement the iAOS platform and data catalogue for integration and analysis of data from distributed data repositories.
  8. Demonstrate benefit of the intgrated Arctic Observing System to selected stakeholders.
  9. Develop professional skills in using the iAOS platform and new data products within industry, education and science.

Overall concept:

The objectives will be achieved by mobilizing and increasing cooperation between entities operating existing European and international observing systems and infrastructures (in-situ and space-based). INTAROS is implemented through a set of multidisciplinary workpackages covering the main spheres of the Arctic environment.  In this process, the relevant stakeholder groups are engaged, including the climate and forecasting modelling groups, environmental agencies, industry, decision makers and local communities.