Abstract. The role of polar regions is increasing in terms of
megatrends such as globalization, new transport routes, demography, and the use
of natural resources with consequent effects on regional and transported
pollutant concentrations. We set up the ERA-PLANET Strand 4 project “iCUPE
– integrative and Comprehensive Understanding on Polar Environments” to
provide novel insights and observational data on global grand challenges
with an Arctic focus. We utilize an integrated approach combining in situ
observations, satellite remote sensing Earth observations (EOs), and
multi-scale modeling to synthesize data from comprehensive long-term
measurements, intensive campaigns, and satellites to deliver data products,
metrics, and indicators to stakeholders concerning the environmental
status, availability, and extraction of natural resources in the polar areas.
The iCUPE work consists of thematic state-of-the-art research and the provision
of novel data in atmospheric pollution, local sources and transboundary
transport, the characterization of arctic surfaces and their changes, an assessment
of the concentrations and impacts of heavy metals and persistent organic
pollutants and their cycling, the quantification of emissions from natural
resource extraction, and the validation and optimization of satellite Earth
observation (EO) data streams. In this paper we introduce the iCUPE project
and summarize initial results arising out of the integration of comprehensive in
situ observations, satellite remote sensing, and multi-scale modeling in the
Arctic context.
Multi-scale integration of satellite remote sensing improves characterization of dry-season green-up in an Amazon tropical evergreen forest
