Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the polar middle atmosphere, with emphasis on the mesosphere and Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes (PMSE)  (IPMA (Investigations of the polar middle atmosphere))

Outline
The polar mesosphere is an extraordinary region of the near Earth environment. Its remarkable dynamical and chemical state is determined by a continuous influx of mass, momentum and energy from above and below. The debris from meteoroid burning provides direct external mass input that accounts for its singular heterogeneous composition and for the formation of thin metallic layers. Gravity waves propagating upwards from the troposphere and stratosphere, after complicated interaction with winds along the way, find their final destination in the mesosphere where they attain large amplitudes thereby dissipating their energy and momentum by exciting turbulence, and, surprisingly, in the polar regions, by contributing to drive the global circulation with forces comparable to radiative forces of solar origin. Some of the dramatic consequences include the reversal of the zonal winds in the polar regions, a non-negligible meridional wind, and a consequent vertical up welling that cools the mesosphere in summer to the lowest temperatures of the near Earth environment. Noctilucent clouds and Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes (PMSE) and their impressive structures are but two manifestations of the singular state of the polar mesosphere. There is evidence that both phenomena are due to an increase of mesospheric water/ice originating from methane released on the ground by natural processes and anthropogenic activities The experimental and theoretical investigation programme will concentrate on polar mesospheric phenomena, but it will also include observations in the upper stratosphere and lower ionosphere. Rockets, radars and optical techniques will be used for the observations. The instrumentation is based in Tromso, Svalbard and Andoya (Norway). Geographic coverage of several of the phenomena will be made in co-operation with the Polar Geophysical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences that operates a partial reflection radar in Tumanny in the Kola peninsula.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Monitor PMSE trends over time with regard to its relation to global change inasmuch as it is produced by the presence of water of anthropogenic origin. Try to understand the mechanism(s) that produce Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes (PMSE). Try to establish the role of nano-meter size charged particles in the dynamics of the polar mesospheric plasma. Monitor the momentum flux of gravity waves in the mesosphere and assess its consistency with observed global circulation patterns. Monitor the spectrum of gravity wave fluctuations in the mesosphere and investigate the possibilities of parametrizing the spectrum for use in circulation models. Monitor the polar mesospheric large scale structures evidenced by optical measurements of airglow.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Polar Geophysical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
EISCAT site near Tromso in Northern Norway EISCAT Svalbard radar in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Andoya Rocket Range in Andoya, Norway Tumanny radar in the Kola peninsula, Russia All the sites are in arctic polar regions.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007-2009 (3 years)            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The major EISCAT facilities in Tromso and Svalbard are in place as well as the Tumanny radat in the Kola peninsula. Funding for the construction of an MST radar antenna is being applied for. All the facilities can be shared.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
All the facilities employed in this project will continue to be available long after the IPY is complete.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No - This proposal is being submitted for funding to the Norwegian Research Council.

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
The investigations on Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes is a continuation of an existing activity. The investigations on polar mesospheric gravity waves and their effect on atmospheric circulation is a new activity.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The PI and CoPI will jointly manage the project.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
A web site will be established with accessible explanations of the project contents and objectives. Funds for a PhD student scholarship are being applied for.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data will be accessible to the community via the Madrigal data base. At http://madrigal.haystack.mit.edu/madrigal/

How is it proposed to fund the project?
An application for funds is being made to the Norwegian Research Council

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor Cesar Hoz
University of Tromso
The Auroral Observatory
Tromso
N-9037
Norway

Tel: +47 77645161
Mobile: +47 99774769
Fax: +47 77645580
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information