Global Inter-agency IPY Polar Snapshot Year (GIIPSY) GIIPSY aims to facilitate: Use of current and soon to be launched earth observing satellites to develop broad spectral, medium and high resolution snapshots of the polar regions. Use of the snapshots as gauges for assessing the impacts of past and future high latitude environmental changes. Establishment of technical and programmatic infrastructure for sustaining international observations beyond IPY.

Implementing GIIPSY through the IPY SPACE TASK GROUP STG SUMMARY: –First meeting of STG 1 took place in WMO Headquarters from Jan, 2007 –Participation of the following Space Agencies: CMA, CNES, CSA, DLR, ESA, Eumetsat, NASA, Roshydromet, –Additional representation from WCRP-CliC, GIIPSY, IPY-Joint Committee

Key Outcomes from STG 1 STG made substantive progress on developing the concept of an effective space component of the observing system for the polar regions during IPY. This would deliver a series of “firsts”, including: –For the first time, pole to coast multi-frequency InSAR measurements of ice-sheet surface velocity. –For the first time, repeat fine-resolution SAR mapping of the entire Southern Ocean sea-ice cover for sea ice motion. –For the first time, one complete high resolution visible and thermal IR (Vis/IR) snapshot of circumpolar permafrost. –For the first time, pan-Arctic high and moderate resolution Vis/IR snapshots of freshwater (lake and river) freeze-up and break-up. The Space Agencies introduced the concept of IPY data portfolios as an organizing principle. Each Agency will determine what data will be made available to IPY scientists as part of its portfolio. The intention is to provide open and easy access to these portfolios for scientific use. The content of the portfolios will evolve through the STG coordination of planning, acquisition, downlink and processing during IPY and beyond, as a legacy.

Key Objectives for STG-2 In view of the high importance and priority of achieving the scientific “firsts” it is highly desirable if interested groups continue to urge Space Agencies to do their utmost in developing and adopting a coordinated approach for the implementation to these activities for the remaining period of IPY. One of the key issues is how to secure the legacy of a long-term observing system. This legacy shall include high-level products resulting from the science of IPY, e.g. high spatial resolution digital terrain maps of the polar regions. One approach that may be considered for long term security of the IPY legacy is to establish a link to GEO.

STG Successes CSA ASAP CSA MiniMAMM DLR TerraSAR-X Support of IPY ESA AO ESA Data Portal and Metadata Tagging for IPY Dedicated IPY Acquisition Planning

Acquisition Planning

Planned ASAR Image Mode Swath 2 polarization HH October 16

CSA MiniMAMM November 2007

Continuing Challenges Increasing the number of Space Agencies participating in the STG – we encourage global involvement Securing commitments of key data sets such as L-band SAR and high resolution optical repeat observations of the arctic ice pack.

STG Schedule

GIIPSY Information Information on GIIPSY is available at: The site includes minutes of the STG meeting and the two STG teleconferences.

BACK-UP Vu-Graphs

GIIPSY Legacy Objectives A. Sea level rise, and hemispheric climate (Glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets): 1) For the first time, one summer, one winter SAR snapshot of the polar ice sheets, glaciers and ice caps. Near simultaneous imagery at L, C, and X band, polarimetric quad pole for documenting ice surface physical parameters. 2) For the first time, pole-to-coast multi-frequency InSAR measurements of ice surface velocity. 3) For the first time, repeated X-band InSAR topography for detecting local changes in ice sheet elevation associated with motion of subglacial water. 4) For the first time, one summer, one winter, high resolution visible/near IR/ TIR snapshot of the entirety of the polar ice sheets, glaciers and small ice caps followed with bimonthly coverage of select glaciers for snow-zone mapping 5) Continued measurements of ice surface elevation from radar and laser altimeters (spaceborne and airborne) for volume change 6) Continued, daily visible and infrared medium-resolution imaging of the entirety of the polar ice sheets, glaciers and ice caps and to be compiled into monthly maps. 7) Continued, daily medium-to-coarse resolution active and passive microwave images of the polar ice sheets, ice fields and ice caps for melt extent 8) Continued measurements of the gravity field for mass balance.

IPY Legacy Objectives B. Ocean circulation and polar air-sea interactions (Sea ice): 1) For the first time, L-band SAR mapping of the Arctic ocean and marginal seas sea ice cover for leads and ridges. 2) For the first time, repeat fine resolution SAR mapping of the entire Southern ocean sea ice cover for ice motion 3) For the first time, SAR and optical fine resolution mappings of the entire Arctic ocean 4) Continued 3-day medium resolution SAR mapping of sea ice covered waters for motion, and melt pond coverage 5) Continued passive microwave observations of sea ice concentration and extent 6) Continued laser and radar altimeter measurements of ice thickness and sea surface topography 7) Measurements of IPY Polar Geoid C. Regional climate, precipitation and hydrology (Terrestrial snow cover): 1) Daily medium resolution visible/near IR/TIR observations of all snow covered terrain 2) Daily passive microwave observations of snow covered terrain for determination of snow water equivalent

IPY Legacy Objectives E. Aquatic ecosystems, transportation and hazards (Lake and river ice) 1) For the first time, pan-arctic high and medium resolution microwave snapshots of fresh water- break/freeze-up 2) For the first time, pan-arctic high and medium resolution visible, near IR and TIR snapshots of fresh water- break/freeze-up 3) Seasonal, low-frequency (6-10 GHz) passive microwave observations of lake ice thickness D. Changing permafrost and Arctic climate (Permafrost) 1) For the first time, one complete high resolution snapshot of all polar permafrost terrain at L, C and X band. 2) For the first time, one complete, high resolution visible and thermal IR snapshot of all polar permafrost terrain 3) Continued medium and coarse active and passive microwave observations of all polar permafrost