The international Arctic buoy programme (IABP): A cornerstone of the Arctic observing network

The Arctic has undergone dramatic changes in weather, climate and environment. It should be noted that many of these changes were first observed and studied using data from the IABP (http://iabp.apl.washington.edu). For example, IABP data were fundamental to Walsh et al. (1996) showing that atmospheric pressure has decreased (Figure 1), Rigor et al. (2000) showing that air temperatures have increased (Figure 2), and to Proshutinsky and Johnson (1997); Steele and Boyd, (1998); Kwok, (2000); and Rigor et al. (2002) showing that the clockwise circulation of sea ice and the ocean has weakened (Figure 1). All these results relied heavily on IABP data.