To facilitate training sea ice observers, and to ensure some standardisation of sea ice terminology and observation technique, the ASPeCt program has produced a CD-ROM titled "Observing Antarctic Sea Ice" [Worby, 1999], as shown in Figure 3. This CD-ROM includes a step by step tutorial that guides sea ice observers though the various stages of the ice observation system. The CD-ROM also includes purpose-designed software, written in C++, for storing and quality controlling the data and conducting basic statistical analysis.

To enhance the training tutorial the CD-ROM also contains a full library of sea ice images covering the many stages of sea ice formation from frazil and grease ice through to multiyear ice, with a thorough discussion of the ice type classifications and nomenclature. These are based on the WMO [1970] nomenclature. Additionally, there is general information on the role of sea ice in the climate system, and importantly, downloadable proformas and a written instruction manual [Worby and Allison, 1999] and software user guide [Worby and Dirita, 1999] for conducting the observations aboard a vessel.

Download the full CD-ROM [ZIP 7.3MB], or order a free copy of the CD-ROM from:

Dr. Petra Heil
AAD and ACE CRC
Private Bag 80
Hobart, Tasmania, 7001
AUSTRALIA

Petra.Heil@utas.edu.au