About
Recognising the central role played by snow, ice and permafrost in the global climate system, the LIQUIDICE project joins expert cryospheric observers and modellers to:
- comprehensively re-assess the past and future century-plus of climate-induced high impact changes to the Greenland ice sheet and climate vulnerable locations across the Alps, Norway, High Mountain Asia (HMA) and Svalbard, including permafrost areas and their ecosystems;
- develop new, expanded and harmonised data from satellite Earth Observation (EO) and ground stations;
- use these data to improve and test a hierarchy of ice sheet and glacier models with Earth System Models (ESMs);
- through these steps, yield new process understanding, and ultimately
- inform water resource, hydropower, and socio-economic strategies through clear and transparent communication of results and uncertainties.
The project’s strengths lie in new multidisciplinary collaborations across 18 research institutions, from eight European countries (Poland, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom) and India, encompassing expertise in field observations, satellite EO techniques, ESM development and application, and socio-economic analysis.
Impact
Liquidice project will be:
Improved Data Accessibility
With enhanced access to critical cryospheric data, including snow water equivalent and alpine permafrost measurements.
Better Understanding of Cryosphere Responses
Advanced insights into cryospheric processes and their response to climate change through integrated field observations and remote sensing. This will result in an increased reliability of Earth System Models by incorporating ice sheet dynamics, allowing more precise climate projections and improved understanding of seasonal and long-term changes.
Refinement of Earth System Models
By improved testing and validation of models with enhanced observational data, leading to more accurate climate predictions through better integration of field observation data. This will be achieved through the creation of comprehensive, error-bounded datasets for land ice mass balance, snow dynamics, and permafrost evolution.
Understanding of Glacier-Permafrost Interactions
Examination of active layer evolution and its modifications due to glacier retreat in Svalbard and the Alpine region will improve our understanding of glacier-permafrost interactions.
Improved Glacier Basin Assessments
An enhanced understanding of snow cover, glacier mass balance, and water discharge through comparative analysis of model outputs, will result in more reliable future water discharge projections. This will have the impact of better-informed water resource management by providing future water discharge projections under multiple climate scenarios.
A further impact of this will be improved water resource management and an enhanced understanding of the relationship between glacier/snow melting and water production, benefiting hydroelectric power generation in Greenland and tourism in Monte Rosa.
Strengthening of Global Cryosphere Research
Contribution to international initiatives (ESA Glaciers CCI, ESA SLB+, GlaMBIE, IMBIE) by integrating new data into existing mass balance repositories, improving global cryosphere assessments.
Support for Climate Adaptation Strategies
LIQUIDICE will contribute to policy and decision-making by offering refined projections of glacier-related water resources. This will result in the development of adaptation models tailored to environmentally vulnerable Arctic regions, ensuring sustainable water resource management for societal development.
The formation of scalable climate adaptation frameworks will create guidelines and best practices that can be applied to similar regions facing climate challenges, ensuring a broader global impact.
Empowerment of Local Communities
Increased citizen engagement in climate adaptation decision-making will foster resilience through participatory processes aligned with the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. Promotion of community-driven solutions that contribute to sustainable tourism and renewable energy sectors, are aligned with EU climate action commitments. In Europe the main impact will be the development of adaptive strategies for Alpine tourism in the Monte Rosa area, helping mitigate climate-related risks to the industry. While LIQUIDICE will contribute to Greenland’s implementation of the Paris Agreement and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through adaptation strategies in Ilulissat.
Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration
Strengthened cooperation between citizens, policymakers, businesses, and researchers to co-create climate adaptation solutions that are locally relevant and globally applicable.
Methodology
Understanding the evolving cryosphere requires a combination of cutting-edge technology, innovative fieldwork, and advanced modeling. The LIQUIDICE project integrates field measurements, satellite data, and computational models to explore the intricate dynamics of glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost across diverse climatic regions. Satellite based remote sensing is needed to expand the spatial scale of the measurements and develop new technological approaches. Implementing existing models is necessary to improve the models’ ability to simulate the dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers in the past, and to provide more accurate estimates of how these glaciers will evolve in the future and how they are represented within the models themselves. Using data from both observed measurements and simulations will help better understand the consequences that changes in inland ice, snow cover, and glaciers can have on society, with particular attention to how changes in water resources can affect hydroelectric production, the social dynamics of populations dependent on this resource, and the impact on winter tourism. The impact of climate change is not uniform across the entire globe; rather, it manifests differently in various regions. Therefore the LIQUIDICE project is strategically focused on specific glacial basins identified as super-sites covering regions with diverse climatic characteristics and vulnerability to global warming.
Multi-Scale Observations: From Ground to Space
LIQUIDICE employs a dual approach, combining field-based observations with satellite remote sensing. Field campaigns provide high-resolution, site-specific data, while satellite observations allow for a broader spatial and temporal perspective. This synergy enhances our ability to monitor crucial parameters such as Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), glacier mass balance, and permafrost temperature across selected super study sites, including the Alps, Greenland, Svalbard, and the Himalayas.
Bridging Gaps in Data and Model Integration
By consolidating existing datasets and conducting targeted field surveys, LIQUIDICE aims to improve the accuracy and coverage of cryospheric measurements. Advanced machine learning techniques, combined with Earth Observation (EO) data, enable the reconstruction of historical snow and glacier conditions, providing essential long-term perspectives on climate change impacts. These refined datasets serve as critical inputs for enhanced modeling efforts.
Improving Climate and Glacier Models
Climate models often struggle to capture the complexity of ice sheet and glacier dynamics. LIQUIDICE refines and extends these models by integrating real-world observations and remote sensing data, enhancing their ability to predict future cryospheric changes. By improving downscaling techniques, we ensure that simulations provide realistic and high-resolution projections for local and regional assessments.
Understanding Societal Impacts
The cryosphere is not just a scientific curiosity—it directly influences water resources, energy production, and local communities. Through interdisciplinary research, LIQUIDICE examines how changes in snow cover and glacial melt affect hydropower production, drinking water availability, and winter tourism. Our collaboration with policymakers, environmental agencies, and local stakeholders ensures that our findings translate into actionable insights.
Towards a Sustainable Future
By combining state-of-the-art data collection, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, LIQUIDICE is setting new benchmarks for cryospheric research. Our commitment to open-access data and engagement with global climate initiatives strengthens the project’s impact beyond academia, contributing to a more resilient and climate-aware society.
Objectives
Unveiling the Future of Ice and Climate
We recognize the vital role that snow, ice, and permafrost play in shaping our global climate. The LIQUIDICE Project brings together leading experts in cryosphere science to uncover the past, present, and future of high-impact climate changes.
Tracking Ice, Water & Climate
From the vast Greenland ice sheet to the fragile permafrost of the Alps, Norway, High Mountain Asia, and Svalbard, we explore how climate change is transforming these vulnerable regions
Expanding Climate Data Horizons
Through cutting-edge satellite Earth Observation (EO) and ground-based monitoring, we provide new, harmonized data that enhance climate predictions and risk assessments.
Advancing Climate Science
By refining ice sheet and glacier models within Earth System Models (ESMs), we deepen our understanding of the processes driving climate change.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
Our findings directly inform water resource management, hydropower planning, and socio-economic strategies—ensuring clear, transparent communication of results and uncertainties.
Work Packages
LIQUIDICE brings together cutting-edge research and expertise across six Work Packages (WPs) to improve our understanding of snow and ice dynamics and their impact on water resources. Here’s how they work together:
🔹 WP1: Field Observations – Collects and curates crucial data on inland ice, snow, permafrost, and water discharge, supporting process studies and model calibration.
🔹 WP2: Earth Observation – Delivers high-resolution snow cover data and develops technology to retrieve Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) using advanced satellite sensors.
🔹 WP3: Modelling & Forecasting – Builds global, regional, and local-scale models to enhance climate forecasts and explores the integration of snow and ice modelling in digital twins.
🔹 WP4: Climate Impact & Adaptation – Assesses the effects of glacier and snow melt on water discharge, develops climate adaptation strategies, and strengthens climate resilience.
🔹 WP5: Outreach & Communication – Ensures project findings reach scientists, policymakers, local stakeholders and general public, fostering knowledge exchange and real-world impact.
🔹 WP6: Coordination – Oversees scientific and administrative aspects, ensures data management, quality control, and ethical compliance, and facilitates collaboration through the Scientific Support Team.
Work package WP1 – Observations of inland ice, snow, permafrost and catchment discharge
Accurate climate models rely on high-quality observational data. WP1 enhances our ability to measure and analyze key cryospheric processes, ensuring crucial data is accessible and effectively used in climate modelling and remote sensing (WP2, WP3) and prepare proper adaptation strategies (WP4).
WP1 aims to:
- Expand observational capacity by enhancing the direct measurement of crucial physical parameters and complex cryospheric processes.
- Strengthen climate change connections by ensuring that observations are efficiently integrated into models and remote sensing applications in WP2, WP3, and WP4.
- Improve data availability and usability by cataloguing and refining key datasets on snow, permafrost, albedo, and glacier mass balance, making them more accessible to scientists and decision-makers.
By making essential climate data more available and actionable, WP1 strengthens modelling efforts and helps society prepare for a changing climate.
WP Leader: GEUS
Work package WP2 – EO-based technologies for assessing the evolution of land ice and snow cover
WP2 focuses on enhancing Earth Observation (EO) datasets to improve our understanding of seasonal snow cover and land ice mass trends. This includes:
- Developing a high-resolution snow cover dataset using Copernicus satellite products.
- Advancing technology to retrieve Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) from L-band SAR, calibrated with ground stations.
- Integrating Copernicus, ESA, and NASA datasets to extend and refine time-series data.
WP2 also builds on previous EU and ESA projects to produce high-accuracy estimates of land ice mass trends, essential for validating glacier and ice sheet models. By leveraging machine learning and data integration techniques, WP2 aims to extend historical records, improve model accuracy, and enhance projections of sea level rise.
These datasets will provide critical input for WP3, supporting more reliable climate modelling and future projections.
WP Leader: NORCE
Work package WP3 – Modelling and future projections: Global to Local and Integrated to Process-based
WP3 enhances the representation of land ice in climate and hydrological models, improving our understanding of ice-related processes at global, regional, and local scales. This work supports more accurate climate projections and impact assessments.
Key objectives include:
- Integrating major land ice components into global models to assess their influence on the climate system.
- Improving regional and local simulations of snow cover, ice mass balance, and water runoff, refining past and future projections.
- Enhancing hydrological modelling through downscaling techniques and specialized numerical studies.
- Validating models using large-scale satellite data (WP2) and local observations (WP1), ensuring accuracy and real-world applicability.
- Exploring integration with digital twins, leveraging diverse modelling approaches for improved simulations.
By refining the links between ice, climate, and hydrology, WP3 strengthens the foundation for impact assessments in WP4, providing essential insights for understanding and adapting to climate change.
WP Leader: DMI
Work package WP4 – Impact of change in water resources from the cryosphere to society
As climate change reshapes landscapes and societies, WP4 focuses on developing adaptation strategies that enhance the resilience of local communities. By understanding societal responses and behavioral shifts, this WP ensures that adaptation solutions align with local needs, knowledge, and priorities.
The main objectives are:
- Assessing Water Discharge Impacts – Using data from WP1–WP3, WP4 evaluates how glacier and snowmelt affect water availability for energy, agriculture, households, and tourism, while also assessing flood risks.
- Adapting to Arctic Climate Change – Investigates glacier-permafrost interactions and their effects on groundwater, natural hazards, and Arctic communities, providing science-backed policy advice for sustainable adaptation.
- Resilient Alpine Tourism – Engages local communities in the Monte Rosa region to assess climate risks, develop adaptive strategies, and create guidelines for sustainable tourism across alpine regions.
WP4 places a strong emphasis on local engagement—working closely with communities in Greenland, Svalbard, Norway, and Italy. By integrating Indigenous perspectives and ensuring fair and inclusive adaptation strategies, this WP contributes to a just, community-driven green transition. Through stakeholder dialogues, citizen engagement, and policy recommendations, WP4 bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world action, helping shape climate-resilient societies.
WP Leader: University of Copenhagen
Work package WP5 – Dissemination, communication and exploitation
WP5ensures that LIQUIDICE delivers meaningful impact by fostering knowledge exchange, public engagement, and collaboration with international research networks. Through effective communication and outreach, WP5 connects scientific advancements with stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities.
The main objectives are:
- Clear & Effective Communication – Ensuring seamless internal and external communication to support collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Raising Awareness – Highlighting the project’s outcomes and the importance of climate change adaptation for local communities.
- Engaging Society – Implementing two-way communication to actively involve communities affected by climate change.
- High-Quality Dissemination – Sharing research findings through accessible and impactful content.
- Maximizing Stakeholder Impact – Strengthening connections with policy actors, industries, and research networks, maximizing synergies between dissemination and exploitation.
WP Leader: IG PAS
Work package WP6 – Project Management, Coordination and International & Cross-disciplinary Exchange
WP6 ensures the smooth, efficient, and high-quality management of LIQUIDICE, overseeing all activities, finances, and reporting to maintain scientific excellence and maximize impact. Effective management guarantees that the project stays on track, meets objectives, and fulfills contractual obligations.
WP6 focuses on:
- Strategic Coordination – Overseeing project activities, tracking progress, and ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.
- Financial & Administrative Oversight – Managing resources, reporting, and ensuring compliance with EC requirements.
- Facilitating Collaboration – Establishing a Scientific Support Team (SST) to enhance communication between work packages and partners.
- Data Management & Quality Assurance – Overseeing the Data Management Plan (DMP) to ensure all project data is accessible, reliable, and valuable.
WP Leader: IG PAS