The IPY Data Committee in collaboration with GEOSS and the WMO Information System hosted a small workshop on 7 July 2008 in St Petersburg to build interoperability arrangements using the GEOSS Interoperability Process Pilot Project (IP3) approach. The goal was to provide examples to evolve the IPY data system and serve as exemplars for polar observing systems emerging as a legacy of IPY.

After a general brainstorming session, we narrowed down to two general scenarios that could be addressed through specific interoperability arrangements between specific data systems and/or IPY projects. Two breakout groups then developed more specific use cases:

1. Examine the link between space weather, terrestrial weather, seismic activity or infrasonic activity to Geomagnetic Induced Current (GIC) in high voltage power lines combining data from Space Weather, Terrestrial Weather and Seismic or Infrasonic data resources and cross correlating the data to ascertain any correlation with observed geomagnetic induced currents in power lines running across Africa. Claudio Rafanelli from Italy and Pierre Cilliers from South Africa work with colleagues from Japan, Russia, and the UK to develop a detailed plan..

2. Asses the potential long-term social, legal, and economic impact of potential oil spills in of the Arctic by mapping relevant geophysical and environmental data produced by IPY (and related) projects to vulnerable areas. Mark Parsons and Arthur Mason from the US work with colleagues from Canada, the Netherlands, and the UK.

More information on the use cases and arrangements will be posted here as they develop. Further collaboration is welcome.

Thanks to David Thomas from WMO for leading the workshop.

-m.