Winter is a rapidly changing season in the Arctic, causing widespread responses in freshwater ice and the ecosystems and communities that rely on frozen lakes and rivers.
Currently focused on Alaskan lake and rivers, observations relies on field studies, remote sensing, cameras and buoys, historic data, community-based monitoring, and citizen science.
With support from the National Science Foundation’s Arctic Observing Network and Navigating the New Arctic programs, we are working to improve observations and understanding of freshwater ice including public participation in this process.
Additional support from NASA's Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program has enabled the project to partner with Tanana Chiefs Conference, National Weather Service Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center, the international citizen and community science program Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE), and the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center Tribal Resilience Learning Network.
Together, we are expanding the capacity for app-based photo observation of ice conditions to support river ice safety and flood forecasting and long-term research on changing ice conditions. We are also investing in ensuring that the project is meeting the needs of our river communities and researchers through a thorough needs-assessment process.
For more NASA citizen science projects, visit the Citizen Science program page.
