Workshop on Norwegian and Russian monitoring and process studies of Svalbard coastal sea ice and snow physics

A Norwegian-Russian Workshop about Svalbard coastal sea ice and snow physics was arranged in the Fram Centre in Tromsø in November 2016. Norwegian and Russian scientists met to exchange knowledge about monitoring and research of sea ice and its snow cover near Svalbard. Sea ice near Svalbard is an important scientific topic, because the sea ice is closely related to the climate in the northern areas. Sea ice is directly affected by climate change, specifically changes in the atmosphere and in the ocean, and changes play also a direct role in climate processes. The snow cover is crucial for freeze and melt, and for the ecosystem. The scientists also discussed future collaborations between Norwegian and Russian researcher groups, and they got the possibility to strengthen their networks. Both Norwegian and Russian scientists have research activity going on at Svalbard, but better coordination is necessary, and more collaboration is possible. More collaboration and improved coordination will increase accessibility of datasets, and it will be easier to relate findings from one location at Svalbard to processes and changes in the entire Svalbard region. The results from the workshop were summarized in a report. There was also arranged public scientific talks at a planning meeting in Russia, and back to back with the workshop in Tromsø. The workshop had 24 participants, and it went over three days. The arrangement group of the workshop consisted of scientists from Norway (Norwegian Polar Institute, University Centre in Svalbard) and Russia (Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI), Saint-Petersburg State University).

By proposing to have a Norwegian-Russian workshop on monitoring and process studies of Svalbard coastal sea ice and snow physics, we intent to bring together Norwegian and Russian researchers working within the workshop topic, for exchanging information about scientific work, increasing networks and developing future collaboration. Such a workshop would be very timely. Arctic climate is changing, and sea ice is a key element in the Arctic system. Also coastal sea ice is an important component of Arctic sea ice, both as an active player in the climate system, and as an indicator. Svalbard sea ice is subject of longterm monitoring and process studies, and Norwegian and Russian researchers have relevant research activity going on. However, there is a need for better links and coordination. By improved coordination and collaboration, accessibility of datasets would be improved, and local findings could be faster extended into a regional dimension. With the proposed workshop, scientists from the two countries would be able to exchange information on Svalbard sea ice in respect to climate science, operational issues and services, and to work also with standardization, databases, and towards future collaboration. Among results beyond the workshop will be improved networks for Norwegian and Russian scientists, a workshop report, and public scientific presentations. Also after the project will be finished, the workshop will have positive effects: The main impact from the proposed project will be improved Norwegian-Russian collaboration about the Svalbard region and Arctic sea ice in the years to come. These collaborations can be for example common projects and scientist exchanges. The proposed project will also contribute to enhanced national collaboration in Norway. We plan to have a planning meeting in late 2015 and then the workshop with about 30 participants in February 2016, going over four days. The workshop report will be completed and published by summer 2016.