Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Beaconing method for the greatest migration of the world : Arctic Terns.  (Objective Terns)

Outline
We are a group of ten French students in our first year at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon, working on the project "Objective Terns". This unique project focuses on the Arctic Terns and their migratory routes. Arctic Terns, small birds of 80 to 120 grams weight, each year complete an extraordinary journey from the North to the South pole between July and November, returning from March to mid-April, covering a distance of 35 000 km per year. However, this supposed migratory route to date remains nothing more than an assumption that has yet to be proven. The aim of our project is to follow, aided by the use of beacons, their path across the surface of the planet. The main hindrance is that the weight of the beacon cannot overstep five percent of the weight of the bird, restricting our project to beacons of less than 5 grams. The existing beacons used in bird tracking, (particularly the ones proposed by the Argos tracking system), currently weigh no less than 17 grams. The Argos tracking system uses a network of satellites to determine the position of a beacon in relation to the frequency it emits. This emission requires a high consumption of energy and, as a consequence, increased costs in weight. In order to decrease the weight of the beacon, we propose not to directly determine the position of the bird, but rather to measure the intensity and the inclination of the earth\'s magnetic field. Indeed, the variations of these parameters across the surface of the earth are well known, and have been placed in cartographic form on a map. By coupling the information of the map with the measures we plan to determine the route of the terns, and whether the birds have reached the South Pole. We are working on this project in collaboration with the Veterinarian School of Lyon, the Lyon School of Management, and in close partnership with the Ecopole of the Forez; an important ornithological centre in the region of Lyon. Additionally, we are also in contact with CNRS, the French National Centre for Scientific Research, which is very interested in our project.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project we are working on has two significant advances in relation to the IPY targets: At first, it may let humans know what the real course of the Arctic Terns is. It has nowadays not been proved scientifically. Then, in comparing every year how Terns modify their course, we could understand how polar climate operates and its interaction with a polar ecosystem. Existing climate models do not work well in the Polar Regions and have for example failed to predict the dramatic break-up of Antarctic ice shelves observed in recent years. Studying any change in the behaviour of birds, and particularly in the course or in the beginning of their migration, can help humans predict that sort of big event.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Birds should be beaconed at one of the two poles. We need collaboration of Greenland (“David Detroit”), from where they begin their course.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Birds should be beaconed in Greenland. Then, they may me observed at one pole at the beginning of their migration, and at the other pole at the end of their migration.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 10/2006            
Antarctic: 02/2007            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We need beacons and observatories. We are able to make beacons in our laboratories at the Ecole Centrale. Observatories should be built in Greenland for example.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is receiving the support of 1)the CNRS 2)many french companies ( EDF, AGF,Societe Generale,Air France...) 3)Jean Dominique Lebreton, specialist of “laridea” in France at the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Ecology in Montpellier 4)Natural Park of Rhone Alpes (Ecopole du Forez)

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

How will the project be organised and managed?
In order to create a defined identity, we founded a non-lucrative association whose role is to ensure that the goal of the project is respected, and to successfully transmit the result of our work to a larger audience. The work has been separated between different sectors in our association. One group is working to conceive the magnetic sensor, while another works to program the software needed to analyse the data; the crew from the School of Management is working on the financial aspects of this area.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
We plan to set up a website that would allow people to follow the route of the birds as we receive the data.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Project funding will be based upon the contribution of sponsors, deriving from scientific and commercial fields.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Many French companies are ready to give us a scientific and financial help. We also have the support of Jean Dominique Lebreton, specialist of “laridea” in France at the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Ecology in Montpellier. We would be really proud and happy to take part to the IPY program and to have your supporting in this adventure.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Monnier Emmanuelle
Ecole Centrale de Lyon - ch X502- 36
Avenue Guy de Collongue-
Ecully Cedex
69134
France

Tel:
Mobile: 0686179315
Fax:
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information