1. How to validate arctic models?
a) What are the most complete data sets and parameters for model validation?
b) What is needed to make these data sets and parameters available for the entire modeling community and how to encourage modelers to carry out model validation?

2. How to improve arctic models?
a) What are the critical areas in model performance which need immediate attention for model improvement?
b) Based on your personal experience in both modeling and observational activities identify mechanisms and parameterizations to be introduced.
c) Express your opinion about modeling with restoring, flux corrections, etc. How to avoid these procedures? Is it possible to reconstruct environmental changes in the models with restoring and flux corrections?
d) Are we able to identify quantitatively a range of uncertainties in our model results and in model predictions? How to improve models to reduce these uncertainties?

3. Model forcing
a) (How) Can we quantify the errors of the model forcing?
b) How to improve model forcings?

4. Observational Network design and modelling
a) Are state-of-the-art Arctic models able to assist in the design of observational networks. If not, what is needed?
b) Do the present (and presently planned) observational efforts (IPY, DAMOCLES, AON) satisfy the needs of the modelers with respect to model validation/improvement and data assimilation?

5. Organizational Issues
a) What can we do to encourage modelers and observers to collaborate in data collection for the entire Arctic ocean based on the results of 2007-2009 IPY field programs?
b) What is the role of AOMIP/(C)ARCMIP/DAMOCLES/SEARCH in these activities?
c) How to integrate AOMIP/ARCMIP/CARCMIP numerical studies with IPCC global models in order to participate in IPCC model improvements for the polar regions?
d) Are we in need of additional organizational structures

• which provides an observational data base with analyzed key variables easily accessible for model validation?

• to facilitate the exchange between observers and modelers (regional modelers and IPCC global modelers)?