Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Temporary Antarctic Network of Geophysical Observatories  (TANGO)

Outline
Current knowledge of the geological and geophysical structure of the Antarctic continent is severely limited by the dramatic scarcity of data recorded in situ. The lack of observatories also hinders uniformity in global-scale geophysical studies, that is negatively affected by the very sparse instrumental coverage of polar regions — the southern polar cap being in a particularly unfavorable condition because of the wide extension of oceans. Of course, the reason of this critical situation lays in the harsh environmental conditions. Current technology has however proven capable of meeting the challenge of powering and running small autonomous scientific observatories even in the continental interior. Wide deployments of such observatories is practically impeded by the high logistical cost connected with installation and pick up. The IPY now provides a unique opportunity to make a significant step forward in polar and global scale research, by supporting the general burst of activity that will enable temporary, or semi-permanent, installation of a continent-wide array of multi-parametric geophysical observatories. Only within the general framework of the IPY will large-scale instrument deployment be cost effective, and practical. We therefore propose to deploy a continental array of autonomous, multi-sensor, geophysical observatories, to run for the whole IPY time period. We propose to take advantage of all logistical opportunities, and therefore primarily concentrate on travel corridors, summer camps, fuel depots, and such. At this stage we propose to cover Victoria, Adelie, and Wilkes Lands, accessible from stations Mario Zucchelli (I), Concordia (I-F), Casey (Aus), and South Pole (USA). Further international cooperation is sought, also in coordination with other initiatives, with the objective of sharing all the data and constructing a joint dataset. Multi-sensor observatories represent the only efficient way to go in Antarctica, where activities are logistics-driven. Therefore, a unique system will power all sensors, and the communication infractructure will collect all the data. We foresee the following components: seismometer, magnetometer, meteorological and space weather sensors. The new data, recorded during the IPY with unprecedented density will provide a giant opportunity to improve the knowledge of the structure and dynamics of our planet, from the core to the outer space, as well as to boost the knowledge of Antarctic structure and active tectonic processes.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
We anticipate that the massive increase of data stemming from this, and similar projects that are being proposed through other national agencies, will enable dramatic improvement in knowledge of geologic structure of the Antarctic continent, deep Earth structure, its magnetosphere and ionosphere. Seismographic data recorded at high latitudes will be precious in study of inner core structure and dynamics. Knowledge of the lithospheric structure and dynamics reveals their effects on ice sheet dynamics. High-latitude geophysical data are also essential for probing Sun Earth interactions throughout the magnetosphere-ionosphere-middle atmosphere system.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Different national programs will submit similar EoI, with similar objectives: for the success of all, it will be essential that they will all cooperate. For mutual benefit, all data will converge to constitute a single dataset. The collaboration model is already existing in global federations of geophysical networks (INTERMAGNET, FDSN).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
We propose to instrument the Victoria, Adelie and Wilkes Land region, in the wide area comprised within Mario Zucchelli, Concordia, Dumont d’Urville and Casey stations. Other programs will cover areas in their regions of influence to reach the continental dimension.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 10/07 – 3/09            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The project is designed to take synergies in maximum consideration. Deployment and servicing will require transport aircrafts and helicopters, snow terrain vehicles (also in traverses), use of existing field stations. Locations will be chosen in order to maximize multi-purpose travel

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will leave a legacy of sites, and site characterization: at least some of the most convenient, or best performing, will easily turn into permanent (or long-term semi-permanent) observatories. The coordination and data distribution infrastructure will stay in place and serve as a scheme for increased and improved cooperation among Antarctic programs.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the Italian National Committee for IPY.

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?
New
This project is new in terms of the dimension involved. The activities have previously been, and are currently, supported by the Italian National Antarctic Program.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Collaboration will be secured through international workshops that will prepare the deployment, coordinate efforts, avoiding duplication, share technical know-how, and set data formats and distribution strategies. The June 2005 deadline, for submission of final projects, will be important to fix the number of partners and the first operational details. We envision large autonomy of each group in actually doing field work. We suggest the IPY organizational structure to identify similar EoI and encourage their contact.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project will constitute an excellent opportunity for students for doing field work and data analysis. Such an unprecedented massive, challenging, coordinated, instrumentation program will be a unique opportunity to reach the broader public and explain the need for collecting worldwide data. Web-based resources will be open to general public.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Satellite telemetry will allow rapid data and state-of-health information download. Data repositories already exist for global federation of networks (such as the Federation of Digital Seismographic Networks, www.fdsn.org) with highly efficient and tested data distribution policies. They could efficiently host all the new data, or different frameworks could be designed.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We propose that each national group will seek national support. Several groups active in this field have shown excellent ability in seeking financial support. Additional support will be sought through other agencies, motivated by the exceptionality to participate to the IPY, such as the European Commission or European Science Foundation.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
We are aware of other EoI’s, with which we seek strongest coordination: among others, POLENET (Proposer: T. Wilson, USA); GAMSEIS (Proposer: D. Wiens, USA); GOIA (Proposer: A. Capra, I).

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Andrea Morelli
istituto nazionale di geofisica e vulcanologia
via donato creti 12
40128
italy

Tel: +39-051-4151424
Mobile: +39-335-1222533
Fax: +39-051-4151498
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information