The debate on the climatic impact of Arctic change is currently focused on the fate of the perennial sea-ice and the climatic and social effects of its disappearance. Developments in our observing techniques mean that we are in prospect of being technically able to describe the ocean-atmosphere-cryosphere system of high northern latitudes operating as a complete system for the first time. Understanding this system and improving its predictability in models seems to be our most direct way of extending the ability of society to mitigate for or adapt to its changes, including global change. The integrated Arctic Ocean Observing System (iAOOS), described here, is a means of piecing together the available PIs, gear, ships and funding on the pan-Arctic scale that seems necessary to making the attempt, and the International Polar Year (2007–2009) provides the necessary stimulus for doing so.
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