Implementation of a reproducible pipeline for producing seasonal Arctic sea ice forecasts

This work highlights the integration of IceNet (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25257-4), a cutting-edge sea ice forecasting system leveraging numerous Python packages from the Pangeo ecosystem, into the Galaxy platform—an open-source tool designed for FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data analysis. Aligned with the Pangeo ecosystem's broader objectives, and carried out in the frame of the EuroScienceGateway project (https://eurosciencegateway.eu), this initiative embraces a collaborative approach to tackle significant geoscience data challenges. The primary aim is to democratise access to IceNet's capabilities by converting a Jupyter Notebook, published in the Environmental Data Science book (www.edsbook.org), into Galaxy Tools and crafting a reusable workflow executable through a Graphical User Interface or standardised APIs. IceNet is meant to predict Arctic sea ice concentration up to six months in advance, and it outperforms previous systems. This integration establishes a fully reproducible workflow, enabling scientists with diverse computational expertise to automate sea ice predictions. The IceNet workflow is hosted on the European Galaxy Server (https://climate.usegalaxy.eu), along with the related tools, ensuring accessibility for a wide community of researchers. With the urgency of accurate predictions amid global warming's impact on Arctic sea ice, this work addresses challenges faced by scientists, particularly those with limited programming experience. The transparent, accessible, and reproducible pipeline for Arctic sea ice forecasting aligns with Open and Science principles. The integrated IceNet into Galaxy enhances accessibility to advanced climate science tools, allowing for automated predictions that contribute to early and precise identification of potential damages from sea ice loss. This initiative mirrors the overarching goals of the Pangeo community, advancing transparent, accessible, and reproducible research. The Galaxy-based pipeline presented serves as a testament to collaborative efforts within the Pangeo community, breaking down barriers related to computational literacy and empowering a diverse range of scientists to contribute to climate science research. The integration of IceNet into Galaxy not only provides a valuable tool for seasonal sea ice predictions but also exemplifies the potential for broad interdisciplinary collaboration within the Pangeo ecosystem.