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Data Set ID:
ELOKA031

The Seasonal Ice Zone Observing Network (SIZONet) Local Observations Interface, Version 1

The Seasonal Ice Zone Observing Network Local Observations Interface allows access to observations of sea ice, weather, and wildlife collected since 2006 by Indigenous Inupiaq and Yup'ik sea ice experts in several communities along the northern and western coasts of Alaska. The SIZONet web interface provides access to a database of local observations spatially referenced around Alaskan villages. The database brings together two distinct knowledge systems of western science and local and traditional knowledge. As an archive and instruction tool, the interface offers collaborating opportunities for hunters and their communities. Since it is designed to change in response to the evolving nature of the observations, the database provides a framework for researchers to track and compare specific climatic, environmental and ecological features, and events across geographic locations and over time.

The goal of this project is to preserve and pass on local and traditional knowledge of sea ice and its use knowledge. In documenting local sea ice change, records may offer insight into how that change affects community and cultural activity. Arctic coastal communities have long recognized that sea ice conditions are not what they once were: the ocean is freezing later in the fall and ice is melting earlier in the spring, shore-fast ice is less stable, there is far less thick multiyear ice, and environmental conditions overall are less predictable.

To view the observations in the database, visitors must agree to the Use Agreement and enter as a Guest. Members of the participating Alaskan communities can log in as a Registered User for a more robust use of the interface.

Geographic Coverage

Spatial Coverage:
  • N: 71.3, S: 59.87, E: -156.74, W: -171.7

Spatial Resolution: Not Specified
Temporal Coverage:
  • 6 April 2006
Temporal Resolution: Not specified
Parameter(s):
  • Animals/Invertebrates > Animals/Vertebrates
  • Animals/Vertebrates
  • Sea Ice
  • Precipitation > Snow
Platform(s) GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS
Sensor(s): ANEMOMETERS, THERMOMETERS, VISUAL OBSERVATIONS
Data Format(s): Not specified
Version: V1
Data Contributor(s): Noah Andrew, Leonard Apangalook, Paul Apangalook, Simon Bekoalok, Arnold Brower, Sr., Lewis Brower, Hajo Eicken, Craig George, Richard Glenn

Data Citation

As a condition of using these data, you must cite the use of this data set using the following citation. For more information, see our Use and Copyright Web page.

Apangalook, L., P. Apangalook, S. John, J. Leavitt, W. Weyapuk, Jr., and other observers. Edited by H. Eicken and M. Kaufman. 2013. The Seasonal Ice Zone Observing Network (SIZONet) Local Observations Interface, Version 1. [Indicate subset used]. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7265/N5TB14VT. [Date Accessed].
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NSIDC User Services
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Email: nsidc@nsidc.org