Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The West Spitsbergen Current dynamics – in situ observations versus numerical modelling.  (WeStCOM)

Outline
The Fram Strait is the only deep passage connecting the Nordic Seas and Arctic Ocean. The West Spitsbergen Current carries warm, salty Atlantic Water northward and provides a large amount of heat and salt into the Arctic Ocean via the Fram Strait. Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences has conducted investigations of Atlantic Water pathways and inflow into AO since 1988. During IPY we are going to intensify our investigations of WSC, especially in the Spitsbergen and Fram Strait regions. From the board of R.V. ‘Oceania’ we will make hydrology at sections across the WSC in summer 2007 and 2008. Vertical CTD and lowered ADCP casts will be performed at stations, vessel-mounted ADCP measurements will be conducted between them. Exchange of energy and mass at sea and atmosphere boundary will be investigated as well. Aerosol production and emission, heat, moister and momentum exchange between the sea and atmosphere will be investigated. Besides the standard hydrological sections, we are going to conduct process-oriented studies. Mesoscale structures as eddies and meanders will be investigated. Process of eddies creation and advection west of Spitsbergen and role of the mesoscale processes in the Atlantic Water northward transport and westward recirculation will be investigated.Obtained results will be compared with the numerical model output. We are going to continue ongoing collaboration with the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey (USA) Arctic Modelling Group lead by Dr. W. Maslowski. We will use existing 1/12º coupled ice-ocean model of the pan-Arctic, or new, improved realisation of the model. Resolution of the model allows resolving mesoscale structures and comparison of observed and modelled fields will help in understanding its role in the WSC dynamics and transports. We will also use our historical data to compare it with the model output.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 1: Improved description of WSC dynamics and Atlantic Water transport; Theme 1: Analysis of historical data and modelled fields improve quantification of AW properties and transports variability;Theme 3: Calibration the model by comparison with observations and identification teleconnections with other regions;Theme 4: Using modern technologies as LADCP in observations, we anticipate using improved, very high resolution model results. Complex approach to process analysis. Theme 5: The Fram Strait region is vantage point for the entire Arctic, changes of Atlantic Water inflow modify Arctic and global climate.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Collaboration with oceanographers from USA. q2_1_Location : Greenland Sea - Western Spitsbergen and Fram Strait area, western Barents Sea

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Greenland Sea - Western Spitsbergen and Fram Strait area, western Barents Sea

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/2007 – 08/2007      06/2008 – 08/2008      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Research ship ‘Oceania’Part of the project will be conducted during cruises performed in frames of other IPY project, may be shared with other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Accepted by Polish National Committee for IPY 2007-2008

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?
Exp
The observational part of project is a component of existing IO PAS program. The component involving modelling will be natural continuation of ongoing collaboration with the NPS Arctic Modelling Group lead by Dr. W. Maslowski.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The observational part of the project will be managed by IOPAS, Sopot. Modelling will be curried out in NPS, Monterey. Meetings and workshops will be occasion for discussion and collaboration.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Website with model results compared with the observational data. Communication of oceanographers from Poland and US, common works with results (visiting).

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
After quality control data will be submitted to the international databank (e. g. ICES).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Mainly from national founding organisations.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
No

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Jan Piechura
Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences
Powstancow Warszawy 55
Sopot
81-712
Poland

Tel: (+48 58) 551-72-81
Mobile:
Fax: (+48 58) 551-21-30
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information