Review and Recommendations for ABoVE Scoping Study on Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment
The scoping study for the NASA Terrestrial Ecology Program's Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment involved gathering community input on research questions, implementation approach, and feasibility. The evaluation panel provided recommendations, suggesting further study and planning before moving into partnership discussions. Key next steps include revising the executive summary, defining clear goals and benefits, and consulting with experts to refine the study's vision.
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Review of ABoVE Scoping Study The NASA Terrestrial Ecology Program requested community input on the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) plan. Comments were sought from the research community regarding: 1) The scientific value, importance and priority of the research questions 2) The appropriateness of the scientific implementation approach and methods TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Review of ABoVE Scoping Study The Field Campaign Working Group met as a panel to consider the community comments, their own comments, and prepare an integrated statement. The panel was charged with evaluating/commenting on: 1) The scientific value, importance and priority of the research questions 2) The appropriateness of the scientific implementation approach and methods 3) Feasibility a) the probability of success in achieving its scientific goals and objectives b) the implementation plan (e.g., logistics, cost, management) 4) Next steps TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Review of ABoVE Scoping Study The panel was asked to rate the proposed field campaign as to its readiness to proceed by selecting one of the following categories: 1) This field campaign is of high merit and ready to move into implementation (ready for a solicitation, securing partners, planning field infrastructure). 2) This field campaign is of potential high merit, but needs further study/planning. 3) This field campaign should not be pursued further. TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Recommendations RATING: 1.5 The panel assessment fell between the top two choices. This study is of high merit, but requires a modest amount of further study/planning before being ready for partnership discussions and more detailed planning of the study design. Recommendations: NASA should move ahead with this field campaign concept, but consider broadening its scientific scope to allow for a more whole- system (land-ocean-atmosphere-humans), integrative study of change in the Northern High Latitudes (NHL). A single, compelling overarching goal statement that makes clear the societal relevance of the study is needed. For these reasons, a bit more study and planning are needed. TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Next Steps In parallel: Revise the Executive Summary and Science Questions to respond to review findings. - Need an over-arching top-level, clear statement of the goals and objectives and expected payoffs from the field campaign. - Clear and compelling justifications of the scientific priority for the study and its societal benefits will be key to the success of this campaign. - Consult with the ABoVE authors on the revisions. A small workshop might be appropriate for developing this next statement of vision and science. - Include experts on societal issues/contributions - Could be accomplished within 2 months. TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Next Steps Begin discussions with program management colleagues about potential interests in joining a multi-disciplinary field campaign. - Start with colleagues at NASA HQ and within the U.S. Government. - Don t go beyond potential interests or initiate discussions with programs outside the U.S. until the revised Executive Summary is available to share with them. Capture detailed comments from the Web and email inputs so they are available for further planning. (Requires seeking permission from those who submitted the comments.) TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Next Steps Next: Develop a plan for advancing into implementation: - Produce a pre-solicitation science plan for the field campaign - Recommend a series of coordinated workshops, white papers and interagency meetings to refine the plan and foster broader buy-in. Secure partners and commitments Decide what to solicit and when to solicit - Should a Science Definition Team be solicited or appointed to develop pre-solicitation science plan? - How much in advance of any field activities should the modeling be solicited? - Should we invest in model development (models optimized for NHL systems with permafrost, snow/ice; consider a community model )? - Do we need to invest in data mining from recent campaigns/studies? TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
Next Steps Conduct a more comprehensive survey of recent and current activities in the region relevant to goals/objectives and needs. - Evaluate existing field infrastructure and current studies in the region that can be leveraged for this campaign versus new work. Define a management structure that allows for multidisciplinary, multinational partnerships within a well-coordinated remote sensing, field, analysis, and modeling program. TE Workshop - October 6, 2011
