Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Physical and biogeochemical fluxes in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean during the International Polar Year 2007-2008  (SOSA (Southern Ocean South Atlantic box))

Outline
We propose to make a contribution to CASO, already submitted as an EoI. Our project will help address the first four themes of CASO. Measurement program: We will undertake near-synoptic research cruises around the perimeter of a box consisting of Drake Passage, a transect across the Atlantic boundary of the Southern Ocean, and the African chokepoint (at 30E). We will make a comprehensive suite of physical and biogeochemical measurements, including transient tracers and elements of the carbon system. Where possible we will repeat sections previously occupied non-synoptically during the 1990s as part of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment. We anticipate international cooperation to achieve the geochemical tracer measurement program. Where appropriate we will deploy new observing techniques, such as gliders and floats, that have the capability to develop into systematic sustained observing systems. Measurements will be coordinated with other IPY efforts in the Atlantic and other sectors. Objective: The oceanic circulation will be inferred from the measurements, together with the associated fluxes and air-sea exchange of heat, freshwater, inorganic carbon and other tracers. This will contribute to a baseline description of the role of the Southern Ocean in the global heat and water cycles, and provide a reference dataset for the inference of future changes. We will calculate the rate of production of Antarctic Bottom Water and the rate of conversion between Deep, Intermediate and Surface water masses. This expedition during IPY would reinforce repeat measurements in Drake Passage begun in 1993, with approximately 17 hydrographic sections undertaken by many countries in the intervening years, including 10 by the UK; it would dovetail with other international initiatives, particularly GoodHope and BONUS. In order to achieve simultaneous crossing of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current at the African and S. American chokepoints, this must be a two-ship operation. 30E requires an ice-capable ship (eg RRS James Clark Ross). Drake Passage and the Atlantic transect could be undertaken on the RRS James Cook, due in service in 2006. We note plans being developed in Germany for a comparable expedition on R/V Polarstern, to include sections at the prime meridian, across the Weddell Sea and concluding in Drake Passage. The simultaneous scheduling of these two expeditions, in particular the coordination of the ACC crossings, would considerably enhance the value of the complete dataset over its constituents. As with previous UK research cruises from our institutions, data will be lodged with the appropriate international data centres.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 1: present environmental status of the polar regions SOSA will document the heat, freshwater, carbon and tracer budgets of the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean Theme 2: to understand change and improve predictions. As a contribution to CLIVAR, SOSA will help to document changes in the Southern Ocean, and provide calibration/evaluation of climate prediction models. Theme 3: polar – global linkages SOSA will document exchanges between the polar and subtropical South Atlantic.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We will welcome international contributions to the shipboard program, to supplement UK capacity. We have established links in France, Spain and USA. Ship berths permitting, we will offer places on cruises for scientists from countries not mounting their own cruises. We will necessarily coordinate with international field programs.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
70W to 30E, Antarctic continent to 30S.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/07-02/08 (preferred, see 3.6)      12/08-02/09 (alternate)      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Two-ship operation. Each must be a major research ship with at least 25 berths. One ship must have ice capability to reach the Antarctic Continental shelf at 30°E in the chosen month. The other can be a non-polar ship, but must be capable of operating in Drake Passage.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Understanding gained from this project will help to inform the design of appropriate sustained observing systems, using technology such as moorings, Argo floats and gliders.

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

Any of the checked options would be acceptable.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The concept of transoceanic sections to determine the flux of heat, freshwater and carbon has been endorsed by CLIVAR, and discussed widely at international forums.

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
SOSA will be proposed as part of the next Core-Strategic Program at the Southampton Oceanography Centre, which will be finalised and evaluated during 2005.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organised and managed within the mechanisms used by the UK Natural Environment Research Council to manage its Core-Strategic Programs.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We have consistently used research cruises for the training and development of research students, and as the basis for public understanding of science. These cruises would provide an excellent opportunity to involve southern hemisphere scientists whose countries have an Antarctic presence but which cannot undertake their own major oceanographic expeditions.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data will be submitted to the CLIVAR hydrograhic and carbon data centre, who will in turn ensure it is archived at the appropriate World Data Centre.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We will seek national funding during 2005 to support the ship time and a majority of the staff effort. Some elements of the measurement program would be proposed in subsequent grant applications.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
A comparable program is planned on R/V Polarstern, which must be in 2007/08 because of mooring constraints. It is highly desirable that this fieldwork be undertaken in the same season, and that the timing of the two programs be coordinated.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Brian King
Southampton Oceanography Centre
Empress Dock
Southampton
SO14 3ZH
UK

Tel: 44 23 80596438
Mobile:
Fax: 44 23 80596204
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information