1. Improving Public Understanding of Arctic Climate Variations via the Web Nancy N. Soreide, James E. Overland, NOAA/PMEL John Calder, NOAA/Arctic Research Office American Meteorological Society / IIPS February 9-13, 2003, Long Beach, CA

2. n The Arctic remains one of the least explored, studied and understood places on earth n Change in the Arctic may play a substantial role in climate change throughout the globe. n Global change, particularly climate change may have its most pronounced effects in the Arctic The Arctic

3. Complex changes are occurring in the Arctic Permafrost temperatures are rising Shrubs starting to appear Sea ice volume is decreasing Stratospheric winds are increasing Northern Europe is warming (winter) Northern N. America is warming (spring) Ecosystem shifts impacting fisheries, land, marine mammals

4. Communicating Arctic change information The Arctic Theme Page A Comprehensive Resource http://www.arctic.noaa.gov

5. Photographs Maps Animals Ships Northern Lights Exploration Educational links Lesson Plans Environment Pollution Archaeology Native Peoples Comprehensive Educational Resource The Arctic Theme Page http://www.arctic.noaa.gov

6. Comprehensive Educational Resource The Arctic Theme Page http://www.arctic.noaa.gov

7. Data and Forecasts Real-time data Latest forecasts Historical Data Data Centers Research Programs Research Institutions The Arctic Theme Page http://www.arctic.noaa.gov

8. Expert Essays on key Arctic issues How do scientists study climate change? Nick Bond Are environmental changes impacting Alaska Natives? Caleb Pungowiyi UVB radiation: Threat to the Arctic? Betsy Weatherhead How does Arctic sea ice form and decay? Peter Wadhams How has sea ice volume changed? Norbert Untersteiner Is sea level affected by changes in Arctic land ice? Roger Barry What long term trends are seen in the Artic atmosphere? John Walsh Is mercury a significant contaminant? Steve Lindberg/Steve Brooks What organisms thrive in Arctic sea ice? Christopher Krebs/Jody Deming Is there life on the Arctic sea floor? Peter Vogt Arctic Wolves and their prey David Mech What’s happening to Polar Bears? Scott Schliebe The Arctic Theme Page http://www.arctic.noaa.gov

9. One Stop Shopping for Arctic Data from many scientific disciplines Climate Indices Atmosphere Ocean Sea Ice Terrestrial Biology Fisheries Unaami Data Collection http://www.arctic.noaa.gov

10. Scientific Analyses

11. Scientific Analyses Distilled for Decision Makers Large changes in recent years across multiple disciplines and analyses are highlighted in red.

12. Credibility is enhanced by clarity and transparency of the methodology without sacrificing recognition of the underlying complexity of the ecosystem. Improving Public Understanding of Arctic Climate Variations via the Web Comprehensive information resource Real-time and historical data Real-time forecasts Analyses and scientific journal articles Analyses distilled into presentations for decision makers