Final report on research gaps of space-based Arctic monitoring : KEPLER Deliverable Report : Deliverable D3.3

185 pages, figures, tablesThe main objectives of the WP3 are: 1) to identify the potential for retrieving additional variables from EO data linked to the state of the Polar Regions that are required for assimilation into models and forecasts of meteorological and environmental processes and their variations and 2) to assess the capabilities of future satellite missions (with special focus on the Copernicus Expansion Missions) for environmental monitoring and for providing data for integration/assimilation into modelling/forecast products, considering different In situ and airborne field measurement scenarios. To achieve these objectives we have prepared a comprehensive review of the current status of remotely sensed parameters acquired over Polar Regions and compared them with the products provided by the Copernicus service to identify current data gaps. Besides, an assessment of future satellite missions (in particular the HPCMs) has been performed, in terms of their benefit for environmental monitoring and their integration/assimilation in modelling/forecast products. We have also identified possible synergies between parameters obtained from different satellite missions to enhance the information content of specific data products considering the end-users requirements. Finally, we have identified the limitations of the currently assimilated variables as well as the potential of new variables that are relevant for assimilation into models for simulations and forecasts of conditions in the Polar Regions. Moreover, a concept for a move forward on data assimilation is presentedPeer reviewe