DAMOCLES
DAMOCLES (Developing Arctic Modeling and Observing Capabilities for Long-term Environmental Studies) is an integrated ice-atmosphere-ocean monitoring and forecasting system designed for observing, understanding and quantifying climate changes in the Arctic. DAMOCLES is specifically concerned with the potential for a significantly reduced sea ice cover, and the impacts this might have on the environment and on human activities, both regionally and globally.
Toward Reducing Uncertainties in Arctic Climate Simulations
The coincidence of rapid change in Arctic climate (the extreme 2007 decline in sea ice and recent unprecedented warming) and enhanced observational activities during the International Polar Year (IPY; 2007–2008) offers hope that these changes will be documented in great detail.
Exploring Arctic Transpolar Drift During Dramatic Sea Ice Retreat
The Arctic is undergoing significant environmental changes due to climate warming. The most evident signal of this warming is the shrinking and thinning of the ice cover of the Arctic Ocean.
Peppering the Arctic with measuring instruments
In DAMOCLES, one of the largest EU research project to date, the Arctic is peppered with state of the art measuring instruments worth millions of euros to better predict climate change and generate more accurate weather and ocean forecasts.
Arctic sea ice in IPCC climate scenarios in view of the 2007 record low sea ice event
In September 2007, the Arctic sea ice extent reached a new record low of 4 million km2, about 1 million km2 lower than the preceding record low in 2005. The 2007 event is unprecedented in observed history. Here we try to summarize the current state of the discussion regarding the causes of this event and to which extent a prediction of such extreme events by models can be expected.
Major expedition to the central Arctic
The coming summer DAMOCLES will take part in a major expedition to the central Arctic, on the Swedish icebreaker Oden.
From the press
- Climate Models Overheat Antarctica, New Study Finds >>
[Science Daily, May 7th, 2008] - Alaska eyeing major polar bear study >>
[United Press International, May 4th, 2008] - Three-in-Five Chance Of Record Low Arctic Sea Ice In 2008, According to New Forecast >>
[Science Daily, May 2nd, 2008] - Scientists Journey To Alaska On Ice Core Expedition >>
[Red Orbit, April 29th, 2008] - Arctic marine mammals on thin ice >>
[Innovations Report, April 28th, 2008] - North Pole Could Be Ice Free in 2008 >>
[ABC News, April 27th, 2008] - Narwhals more at risk to Arctic warming than polar bears >>
[Associated Press, April 26th, 2008] - Human-Induced Arctic Moistening >>
[Science Magazine, April 25th, 2008] - Arctic currents may be warming the world >>
[New Scientist, April 24th, 2008] - Climate Change Threatens Arctic Marine Mammals >>
[redOrbit, April 24th, 2008]
DAMOCLES is a european contribution to the International Polar Year 2007 - 2008.
DAMOCLES is financed by the European Union in the 6th Framework Programme.
