Sea ice variability is a key indicator of climate change in the polar regions. Observations of sea ice extension and volume provided by geodesy are essential for understanding sea surface variations in the polar regions, monitoring the albedo effect (a main contributor to the Earth’s energy budget: less ice means more heat is absorbed by the ocean), and predicting variations in air-sea exchanges of heat, momentum, moisture and gases (essential for assessing the health of marine ecosystems). Geodetic time series of sea ice extension and volume also serve as input data for improving climate and weather models. Geodetic mapping and monitoring of sea ice variations contribute to safe navigation, route planning, and risk reduction from ice hazards. The following geodetic products are key to realising, monitoring and applying this Essential Geodetic Variable:
IAG as part of the IUGG
IAG Related Organisations
IAG collaborates closely with numerous organizations within geodesy and beyond. See the list for details.
This website is provided by the IAG Secretariat and the GGOS Coordinating Office, which are hosted by the BEV – Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen) in Vienna, Austria.