Knowledge Gaps and Impact of Future Satellite Missions to Facilitate Monitoring of Changes in the Arctic Ocean

Polar-orbiting satellite observations are of fundamental importance to explore the main scientific challenges in Arctic Ocean, as they provide information on bio-geo-physical variables with a denser spatial and temporal coverage than in-situ instruments such harsh inaccessible environment. However, limited by lack near North Pole (Polar gap), polar night, frequent cloud cover or haze over ocean sea ice, which prevent use optical instruments, well availability external validation data. The sensors’ repeat cycles may also have limitations properly identifying resolving dominant scales atmospheric, ocean, cryosphere land variability their interactive processes feedback mechanisms. In this paper, we state art contribution understanding environment climate tackled within Arktalas Hoavva project funded European Space Agency. We identify current wider orbiting remote sensing data, observational gaps existing missions. A comprehensive overview all missions applications is given provided primary focus satellites. Finally, assess expected capability approved future answer today’s Ocean.