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Description
This project aims to modernize and expand an automated monitoring network focused on the cryosphere of Spitsbergen as a calibration/validation system for indirect research. As a first step, the plan is to harmonize and expand the monitoring systems in Hornsund, Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund (level I stations), the last two in cooperation with Norwegian partners. The second stage will be equipping all Research Infrastructures operated by Polish Research units (level II stations): Nicolaus Copernicus University Polar Station, Stanisław Baranowski Spitsbergen Polar Station of the University of Wroclaw, Adam Mickiewicz University Polar Station, Calypsobyen UMCS Polar Station with the newest cryosphere monitoring technologies. All measurement stations will operate following the standardized measurement protocols developed as part of joint workshops and training sessions based on the SIOS Core Data process and WMO standards. The key element of the observatory network will be real-time data transfer to the open repositories, following the FAIR principles, for researchers and stakeholders.
The CRIOS project shall create an opportunity to establish a research “supersite” for the whole of Svalbard, in which a synchronized ecosystem observation network will operate within the framework of the existing Svalbard Observing System (https://sios-svalbard.org/ObservingSystem). Planned developments will allow for continuous measurements in some of the longest environmental data series on Svalbard and create a venue for excellent Pan-Arctic cooperation in the future.
Summary of project results
CRIOS – Cryosphere Integrated Observatory Network in Svalbard is a model infrastructure project in terms of data management and capacity building. One of the most significant challenges for monitoring systems in remote areas is establishing and accessing automated measurement stations that continuously record high-quality data. This is especially important in regions with limited access – like glacierized, mountainous and polar areas, where harsh terrain and weather conditions decrease the possibility for safe and continuous direct observations. Recent observations show that warming trends for Svalbard are among the strongest on Earth, with anticipated air temperature increase by 10°C, until the end of the century. This rapid warming will cause a series of irreversible changes in the cryosphere- ice and snow cover. Monitoring and understanding these processes will be crucial for appropriate environmental protection and policy measures. The unprecedented international and local mobility limitations we have all faced in recent years of the global pandemic further underline the importance of automated measurement networks for long-term monitoring. Currently, there is no substantial, joint approach for collecting and sharing the cryospheric data on Svalbard. The CRIOS gives a valuable opportunity to merge, unify and extend current monitoring sites into one network to deliver high-quality products and strengthen international and interdisciplinary cooperation.
CRIOS – Cryosphere Integrated Observatory Network in Svalbard is a model infrastructure project in terms of data management and capacity building. The partnership of 11 institutions - 7 from Poland and 4 from Norway – brought together 56 researchers, at different career stages who worked on the optimalisation and harmonisation of the cryosphere observation systems within the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System according to international standards. Equipment was bought through coordinated tender procedures to ensure compatibility of purchases of the partners. All monitoring stations operate following the standardised measurement protocols developed as part of joint workshops of the Polish and Norwegian project partners. Data transfer to the open repositories occurs in real-time according to FAIR data principles.
The project had a great impact on capacity building through increase in the participation of ECR in the environmental monitoring and projects, support to internationalisation and Polish-Norwegian cooperation, organisation of joint outreach activities, training courses and workshops on environmental monitoring optimisation and data management, increase in the involvement in cooperation within the SIOS Working Groups, strengthening the research integration resulting in new, international and interdisciplinary research projects. The project has had several positive impacts on its beneficiaries:
- Young researchers: The project has provided young researchers with the opportunity to gain experience in field research and data analysis. They have also had the opportunity to collaborate with leading senior scientists from other countries.
- The international research community: The project has made it easier for researchers worldwide to access data on the Spitsbergen cryosphere. This data is being used to improve our understanding of the cryosphere and to calibrate/validate remote sensing products.
- Society: During the outreach activities on a local and regional scale, the project raised public awareness of the importance of the cryosphere and the threats caused by contemporary climate change.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation was outstanding. The CRIOS project has brought together researchers from Poland and Norway. This collaboration has led to the development of new research projects and to the publication of new scientific papers