Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Synoptic Pan-Arctic Climate and Environment Study  (SPACE)

Outline
Climate research will specifically benefit from the unique possibility during IPY to obtain a synoptic survey of the state of the Arctic Ocean climate and ecosystem by joining efforts of several ice-breakers.Observations indicate that the Arctic is amidst a dramatic change. Parallel to warming of the atmosphere and obvious consequences on land, the ocean is evidencing a dramatic reduction of sea ice thickness and extent and in the same time the extensive warming of intermediate layers as well as changes in the circulation of the ice cover and upper ocean. The ice retreat as well as the regional shift of fresh water pathways affect heat and gas exchange with the atmosphere. Together with changing predominance of Atlantic vs. Pacific waters they influence the availability of nutrients and thus affect biological production and the faunal composition through all trophic levels. These changes are linked to the variation of large-scale atmospheric patterns and in turn have consequences for global thermohaline overturning circulation.In the past, data indicating change in the Arctic Ocean were obtained during individually planned cruises and sub-regional programmes. Since they covered different areas at different times they inevitably left large uncertainties in distinguishing spatial and time variability. A “Synoptic Pan-Arctic Climate and Environment Study” should cover key areas during the same year and survey ocean and ice parameters with high spatial resolution. These parameters will comprise the physical state of ocean water masses and ice cover, together with the distribution of chemical substances and the effects on biota.These surveys with focus on spatial coverage and resolution have to be seen in combination with long-term observation programms (e.g. ASOF, SEARCH, ISAC). Together they will allow to distinguish between advected and locally induced features and processes taking place in the Arctic and to determine time scales of signal propagation.As a contribution to a synoptic study we propose a cruise with RV Polarstern to the Eurasian Basin and the adjacent shelf seas. This cruise should focus on the distribution and modification of Atlantic Water in the Eurasian Basin: its inflow through the Barents/Kara Sea and along the Eurasian continental slope; confluence and frontal interaction of the two branches; their recirculation along topographic features; their role in advecting plankton organisms from the North Atlantic. the pathways of river runoff in the shelf seas and across the basins; the relation of circulation changes to the storage or supply of fresh water to subarctic deep convection sites. the contribution of the different shelf seas to shelf/slope convection and their impact on cycling of greenhouse gases. the role of sea-ice related foodwebs in supporting higher trophic levels (marine birds and mammals)

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 1 and 2: Comprehensive synoptic snap-shot of the present state of Arctic climate and environment as a baseline to assess ongoing changes.Theme 3: Knowledge of fresh water circulation within the Arctic is crucial to assess its role in the thermohaline overturning and its role for global climate

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Collaboration with related IPY proposals as “Arctic Snapshot”, GEOTRACES. This proposal is part of the IPY-Programme “The Northern Seas at a time of Global Change: An AOSB-CLIC observing plan for the IPY” (co-ordinated by Bob Dickson)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Arctic Ocean – Eurasian Basin and adjacent shelf seas

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/07 – 09/07      07/08 – 09/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice breakers, ice strengthened ships, satellites

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
endorsement from German IPY committee is requested.

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
The project will be a component of the programme ISAC and contribute to the planned EU Integrated Project DAMOCLES

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organised within the framework of IPY-Programme “The Northern Seas at a time of Global Change: An AOSB-CLIC observing plan for the IPY"

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and outreach issues will be addressed in close agreement with measures planned in the respective national German programme (school participation, involvement of media)

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data management will be along the guidelines of national and international data centers.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding is proposed to come through national agencies and EU (proposed IP DAMOCLES)

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Ursula Schauer
Alfred Wegener Institute for Marine and Polar Research (AWI)
Bussestrasse 24
Bremerhaven
D-27515
Germany

Tel: +49 471-48311817
Mobile:
Fax: +49 471-48311797
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information