Developing Arctic Modelling & Observing Capabilities for Long-
term Env. Studies  Project Description Short Title: DAMOCLES
Project URL: Proposal URL:  The main objective of DAMOCLES is to
reduce the uncertainties in our understanding of climate change
in the Arctic and in the impacts thereof. To meet this objective
DAMOCLES will, following the approach of Numerical Weather
Prediction Centers, develop an integrated system for obtaining
relevant geophysical observations, transferring them to a
central databank, distributing them to the modelling centers,
and producing nowcasts and forecasts of the Arctic climate. But
since there exists no such thing as an Arctic Ocean Observing
System, nor fully validated models for Arctic climate, nor
accepted methods for forecasting of climate, a number of
specific objectives need to be met in DAMOCLES:  1. Synoptic
observational coverage of the Arctic Ocean sea-ice cover The
variability of sea-ice thickness, extent, concentration, ice-
type and drift will be monitored by remo