The MRI encourages members of the network to engage with this important effort. Submit your applications and nominations by 31 October 2024.
The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Climate and Cryosphere (CliC) Scientific Steering Group has recently approved a new Working Group: Impacts of Changes in the Mountain Cryosphere (IC-MontC). They are now seeking nominations, including self-nominations, for the IC-MontC Steering Group, which will develop and execute its implementation plan over the next five years.
About IC-MontC
Like most of the world, mountain regions have been warming steadily over the last century, but accelerated warming at higher elevations has been documented by a number of investigators (“elevation-dependent climate change”, EDCC). This has far-reaching consequences for the mountain cryosphere, which is especially sensitive to rising temperatures.
Because mountain regions are extremely diverse, studies of EDCC and its societal consequences are complex and would benefit from the diverse experiences and perspectives that scientists who study different mountain regions of the world can provide. This working group proposes to bring together experts from the major mountain regions of the world, to focus on the societal impacts of changes in the mountain cryosphere.
Links between the atmosphere, the cryosphere, hydrological systems and human activity in mountain areas are complex. This working group’s objectives are to improve our understanding of how changes in climate will affect the mountain cryosphere (snow, ice and permafrost) and downstream geomorphological and hydrological changes. Such changes may create hazardous conditions for those living in mountain regions, affect aquatic and terrestrial montane ecosystems and pose challenges for those who rely on water from upland areas. High-resolution modelling will require similarly detailed data for model validation, and thus engage those involved in observational studies, requiring improvements in both remote sensing and in situ measurements.
The next step is to solicit input from the broader scientific community and identify a small group of individuals who are familiar with, and engaged in, high-resolution climate modelling.
The IC-MontC Steering Group will have a diverse membership composed of approximately ten members including two co-chairs. At least one Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) is anticipated to join the SG. Gender and geographic balances will also be emphasized.
Responsibilities
Steering Group membership: Contribute scientific knowledge, experience and energy to achieve the goals of IC-MontC and provide guidance, working with other WCRP activities and partners, as necessary. Contribute scientific knowledge and energy to meet the objectives and proposed outcomes of the SG, working with other members of the SG, and other WCRP activities and partners, as necessary.
Time Commitment
Hourly meetings are expected to take place regularly on a bi-monthly or monthly basis for the SG, at the discretion of the SG co-chairs. There may be times when there is more or less work, depending on the activities undertaken. Most meetings will be online, with some out-of-hours work required due to time zone coordination.
For questions about IC-MontC or the nomination process contact info(at)climate-cryosphere.org.
Deadline for applications and nominations: 31 October 2024.
This news was adapted from an article first published by the WCRP Climate and Cryosphere (CliC). You can find the original article on the WCRP Climate and Cryosphere (CliC) website.
Cover image by Will Turner
