Like most of the world, mountain regions have been warming steadily over the last century, but accelerated warming at higher elevations has been documented by a number of investigators (“elevation-dependent climate change”, EDCC). This has far-reaching consequences for the mountain cryosphere, which is especially sensitive to rising temperatures. 

Because mountain regions are extremely diverse, studies of EDCC and its societal consequences are complex and would benefit from the diverse experience and perspectives that scientists who study different mountain regions of the world can provide. This working group proposes to bring together experts from the major mountain regions of the world, to focus on the societal impacts of changes in the mountain cryosphere.

Links between the atmosphere, the cryosphere, hydrological systems and human activity in mountain areas are complex. This working group’s objectives are to improve our understanding of how changes in climate will affect the mountain cryosphere (snow, ice and permafrost) and downstream geomorphological and hydrological changes. Such changes may create hazardous conditions for those living in mountain regions, affect aquatic and terrestrial montane ecosystems and pose challenges for those who rely on water from upland areas. High resolution modelling will require similarly detailed data for model validation, and thus engage those involved in observational studies, requiring improvements in both remote sensing and in situ measurements.

The next step is to solicit input from the broader scientific community and identify a small group of individuals who are familiar with, and engaged in, high resolution climate modeling. 

The IC-MontC Steering Group will have a diverse membership composed of approximately ten members including two co-chairs. At least one Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR) is anticipated to join the SG. Gender and geographic balances will also be emphasized.

Steering Group membership: Contribute scientific knowledge, experience and energy to achieve the goals of IC-MontC and provide guidance, working with other WCRP activities and partners, as necessary. Contribute scientific knowledge and energy to meet the objectives and proposed outcomes of the SG, working with other members of the SG, and other WCRP activities and partners, as necessary.

Hourly meetings are expected to take place regularly on a bi-monthly or monthly basis for the SG, at the discretion of the SG co-chairs. There may be times when there is more or less work, depending on the activities undertaken. Most meetings will be online, with some out-of-hours work required due to time zone coordination.