Permafrost and the International Polar Year

The 125^th anniversary of the First International Polar Year (IPY) will be commemorated during 2007–2008. Extensive international planning over the past several years has lead to the development of more than 200 coordinated projects, based upon over 1100 individual projects. The IPY includes data management, outreach and education activities. Four coordinated permafrost programs have been identified dealing with thermal state of permafrost, Antarctica, coastal observations, and carbon stocks. Long-term monitoring is an important element of each activity. Acquisition of a "snapshot" of permafrost temperatures in as many as 500 existing and new boreholes from both hemispheres is a major goal. Initial results will be reported at the Ninth International Conference on Permafrost in summer 2008. The International Permafrost Association (IPA) is facilitating the development of these four programs and the coordination with other related programs and activities of the IPY.