Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP7 2024 Workshop

Group Picture of ISMIP7 attendees.

The Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP7 (ISMIP7) held a workshop June 9-14, 2024 at the Algonkian Regional Park, VA, USA. ISMIP7 will provide projections of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheet evolution in response to our changing climate, as part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project – Phase 7

(CMIP7) https://wcrp-cmip.org/cmip7/.

This workshop was made possible by the support of the Heising-Simons Foundation and the CGCH. The workshop was dedicated to the design of a new protocol for ISMIP7, a follow up to the successful ISMIP6 activity. Over 80 researchers and stakeholders from eight different countries (40 in person, 40 online) participated in talks, brainstorming activities, and design of draft protocols and plans for ISMIP7, including identifying those areas that need further work.

This includes the following tasks:

  • Review and identify limitations of previous protocols, and assess progress since ISMIP6.
  • Develop new protocols to be used in ISMIP7 and its fast-track contribution to the next IPCC. Includes the use of historical observations.
  • Identify current model capabilities and the capacity of our members for new model development or commitments for simulations.
  • Allow new questions and communities to provide input. For example, are we delivering the products that stakeholders need? What are the needs for improved sea-level contributions from future Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet evolution in a warming world?
  • Map the respective timelines for focus group deliverables and ISMIP7 activities (data preparation, ice sheet model simulations, quality check, analysis of results) required to meet next generation IPCC deadlines and seventh assessment report (anticipated later this decade). This includes identification of possible publications and content.
  • Plan the logistical aspects of ISMIP7. This includes identifying who does what and when, but also the computational or analysis needs, as well as distribution of ISMIP7 data. It also includes working on strategies for ongoing financing of this effort.
  • Continue to build a strong, connected, and diverse community, between early career and more established scientists, as well as scientists from disciplines that do not always interact (for example: atmosphere, ocean, ice, or modelers and observations)