Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

THE EFFECT OF ICE FRAGMENTATION ON THE ANTARCTIC MARINE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY USING REMOTE SENSING  (EFFECT OF ICE FRAGMENTATION ON MARINE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY)

Outline
Icebergs, formed through breaking up of ice shelves float on the ocean around much of the Antarctic continent. Icebergs originating from glaciers carry with them a myriad of elements such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, sediments, and nutrients. Once in the ocean the fate of the iceberg depends on many factors. In shallow waters icebergs can ground on the seabed. Some of the biggest bergs, last for many years before eventually disintegrating, fragmenting and melting. Generally Antarctic sea ice (estimated average 133 mg chlorophyll a /m2) supports higher algal biomass than Arctic ice (estimated average 88 mg chlorophyll a /m2).The major factors affecting marine primary productivity are light, nutrients and hydrographic conditions. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the major inorganic nutrients that are required by phytoplankton; all of these nutrients occur in small amounts and are thus limiting factors for primary productivity; each species of phytoplankton has a particular response to different concentrations of limiting nutrients and each has a maximum growth rate. In the polar regions, a single pulse of phytoplankton abundance occurs during the summer when light becomes sufficient for a net increase in primary productivity. The increase in surface area as a result of ice fragmentation will release concentrations of nutrients trapped in the ice and also photosynthetic pigments contained within microscopic algae living in the ice as the ice melts. Nutrients released will result in an increase in phytoplankton concentrations, the basis of food source for a diversity of life within the ocean, hence the measurements of productivity in the ocean. This proposed activity therefore aims at studying the effect of ice fragmentation on the Antarctic marine primary productivity using remote sensing technique. There is considerable debate about the amount of primary productivity in the oceans and this is exacerbated by our inability to accurately estimate productivity over the temporal and spatial scales necessary to form an accurate estimate. Because of the challenges created by the marine environment for remote sensing, radiative transfer theory is a fundamental concept which will be used in this study. The developed model based on this theory takes into consideration specific characteristics which include absorbance and backscattering. Applicability of the developed model and its accuracy will be assessed and this will probably lead to further modifications to the model to produce higher accuracy results and in better future predictions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Significant advances/developments from activity: • New knowledge – specialized databases on effect of ice fragmentation on marine primary productivity. Information on the productivity mapping is important to determine the seasonal variability. • Evaluation of existing Radiative Transfer Model developed and its applicability to the polar regions which will probably lead to further modifications in fine-tuning the model to produce higher accuracy results and in future predictions. • Evaluating the limit of applicability and accuracy of developed Radiative Transfer Model on a broader environmental conditions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
(1) Geography Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia – to lead the project. (2) School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia – other key researchers (3) Others – yet to be establish but in progress

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Antarctic Peninsular

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 01/07 – 12/08            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Satellites Radar Multi-instrumented platforms Existing Australian field station Snow terrain vehicle

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Another national polar operator
National agency

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not yet but in progress.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organised and managed by the Academy of Science Malaysia.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This activity will provide valuable knowledge base for education particularly at the university level in exposing university students to new frontiers and perhaps generate interest in venturing and exploring an absolutely different environment (as opposed to the tropical environment such as in Malaysia).

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National funding agency (Academy of Science Malaysia)

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

DR. ANISAH LEE ABDULLAH
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
GEOGRAPHY SECTION
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
11800
MALAYSIA

Tel: +60 4 6533888 ext. 2863 or +60 4 6532863
Mobile: +60 12 4286414
Fax: +60 4 6563707
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information