Research
The main technological objective of DAMOCLES is to develop a prototype for an Arctic Ocean Observing System (AOOS) including major innovations and breakthrough in High Technology instrumentation adapted to a remote and harsh environment such as the Arctic Ocean.
Topics:
Polar science - global impact
The IPY Oslo Science Conference will demonstrate, strengthen, and extend the International Polar Year's accomplishments in science and outreach. The international and interdisciplinary science conference will in particular highlight the global impact of the changes that have been observed in the polar regions. (Jan 22, 2010)
The Arctic is warming faster than thought
Climate change affects the sensitive system of the Arctic much more severe than thought. In a declaration from the Damocles symposium in Brussels the scientists conclude that "unless emissions are curbed significantly, we are not expecting a stabilisation of the Arctic's climate system". (Nov 14, 2009)
Declaration from the DAMOCLES symposium in Brussels 2009
The scientists attending the symposium have worked out a declaration summarizing the key findings from the project, as well as future projections and scenarios. (Nov 12, 2009)
Arctic sea ice extent third lowest on record
The 2009 Arctic sea ice extent is the third lowest on record. The downward spiral is reinforced by thick multi-year sea ice being replaced by younger and thinner ice. (Sep 24, 2009)
Tomography buoys successfully recovered after one year in the Fram Strait
The DAMOCLES acoustic tomography moorings were successfully recovered on August 5. The objective of this first acoustic tomography experiment in the Fram Strait is to develop new ocean observing systems for the Arctic Ocean. (Aug 10, 2009)
From the press
- Arctic Shelf Leaking Potent Greenhouse Gas >>
[IPS, Mar 5, 2010] - Methane bubbling out of Arctic Ocean – but is it new? >>
[New Scientist, Mar 4, 2010] - Double-dip Arctic Oscillation, and update on Antarctica >>
[NSIDC, Mar 3, 2010] - Catlin Arctic team brave thin ice and polar bears to monitor acid oceans >>
[The Guardian, Feb 25, 2010] - ICESat's Notable Moments In Science >>
[Space Daily, Feb 25, 2010] - Climate change could be accelerated by 'methane time bomb' >>
[The Daily Telegraph, Feb 23, 2010] - Methane levels may see 'runaway' rise, scientists warn >>
[The Independent, Feb 22, 2010] - Missing Ice Arches Contributed to 2007 Arctic Ice Loss >>
[, Feb 19, 2010] - Inuit, Iceland irked at exclusion from Arctic talks >>
[National Post, Feb 17, 2010] - Greenland ice loss driven by warming seas: study >>
[AFP, Feb 14, 2010]
DAMOCLES is a european contribution to the International Polar Year 2007 - 2008.
DAMOCLES is financed by the European Union in the 6th Framework Programme.
