PIPOR - A Programme for International Polar Oceans Research

Abstract The Programme for International Polar Oceans Research is accepted as a part of the ERS-1 mission which will be initiated with the launch of the ERS-1 Earth observation satellite by the European Space Agency in 1990. It is a bi-polar programme with participation by institutions engaged in studies of the atmosphere-ocean-sea ice interaction and the application of remote sensing data for operational uses. The programme objectives are to develop the application of microwave data for studies and modelling of sea ice dynamics and for operational uses in sea ice infested areas. As such, it is closely connected with on-going and forthcoming research in the Arctic and the Antarctic. With sea ice being a sensitive indicator of climate perturbations, PIPOR addresses objectives of the World Climate Research Programme.