Cryosphere and the Next Decadal Survey KCJ

NAS Organization Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space: support scientific progress in Earth system science and applications, with an emphasis on research requiring global data that are best acquired from space. In a first action, CESAS developed charter for an ad hoc committee addressing data continuity CESAS will convene October to start the process of organizing the next Decadal Survey for NASA Earth Science.

Decadal Survey Preparation The format for the process this time around is TBD. Since we are at an early stage there will be plenty of time for community input to the structure and organization. Discussion points – is the short, white paper format for submitting ideas best for cryosphere (the previous approach) or – is there a better mechanism?; – what is the trade off between new missions and data continuity efforts?; – how do airborne platforms contribute to the future mix?; what new mission ideas are out there?; – how do international collaborations flesh out our portfolio?; – is Earth Ventures a good management strategy for cryosphere; does cryosphere need a more focused role in the next survey? It would be helpful to have a sense of community thinking on these points before the next CESAS meeting.

Community Organization Early emphasis should be on what the planning strategy for the survey should be rather than compiling new mission ideas Several communities have already begun to self organize and hold planning workshops (e.g. water cycle). Is there value in organizing a Cryosphere workshop?