Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The use of diatom biomarkers to characterise past climates  (Diatom biomarkers in sea-ice)

Outline
Significant changes in global climate are predicted for the future, which, given their potential socio-economic impacts requires an urgent understanding of the extent, rate and frequency of climate changes in the past so as to allow improved models to be formulated. Polar oceans, in particular sea-ice cover, have been shown to be important contributors to the Earth’s climate and must be considered in reconstructions of the past climatic evolutions. Historically, such reconstructions have been attempted using a range of physical and chemical proxies, even though many of these suffer from limitations. The current project aims to address these limitations by investigating a new geochemical technique. Highly branched isoprenoids are a class of chemicals which, unusually are preserved in polar sediments. In addition, these chemicals are only produced by a few diatom species (Haslea), which are associated with sea-ice. As such, it can be postulated that the presence of HBIs in polar sediments reflect the presence of sea-ice associated diatom species and therefore, should be a good proxy for past sea ice levels. The current proposal will address the following specific objectives: (1) Determine the taxonomy and abundance of diatom populations associated with sea-ice. (2) Determine the populations of Haslea species in sea-ice and open waters surrounding the sea-ice, in order to establish the specificity of species from this genus to sea-ice. (3) Extract sea-ice samples and detect and quantify HBIs by GC-MS. (4) Isolate and identify individual species of the Haslea genus from samples obtained from sea-ice diatom populations. (5) Culture individual species of Haslea and related genera in order to determine the cellular concentrations of individual HBI isomers, and to isolate sufficient amounts of individual isomers for structural characterisation by NMR spectroscopy. (6) Produce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the analysis of HBI and related compounds in polar sediments using unique samples of the authentic compounds to calibrate the SOP. Once this present day proving study is complete, its application to the geological record will be tested by the following objectives (year 3). (7) Determine the concentration of HBIs in a series of Arctic sediment cores for which existing sea-ice indicators, both isotopic and sedimentary, are already available. (8) Examine the relationship between the concentrations of HBIs in core sediments and existing oxygen isotope, and Mg/Ca temperature curves on coexisting foraminifera, which can be used in combination to provide an independent record of changes in sea-ice volume.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project aligns itself perfectly with IPY theme 2. The project will research into how diatoms that are specific to sea-ice can be detected quantitatively through their biochemical marker compounds. Since these chemicals are specific to these species and are relatively resistant to degradation, their presence in Arctic sediments can be correlated with the past occurrence of sea ice and used in future modelling.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa , Canada Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
McDougall Sound, Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada. Ny-alesund, Svalbard

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/2007      05/2007      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice core facilities, snow terrain facilities, existing research stations

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

Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP)NERC

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Identified as a NERC funding initiative

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 applicants have carried out some preliminary studies of diatoms and associated lipids in sea-ice and are seeking further support for a more detailed study.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed by a 3-strong team within the Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group (www.pegg.org.uk) at the University of Plymouth. These comprise a Professor, a Principal Lecturer and a New Blood Lecturer who will dedicate a 1.0 FTE for the project duration. the application will request financial support for a Post-Doctoral researcher

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project team are committed to the dissemination of their research findings in front-line scientific journals (e.g. Science and PNAS in 2004) and international scientific meetings.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Geochemical and Oceanographic databases along with publication.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding Initiative of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Simon Belt
School of Earch, Ocean and Environmental Sciences
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
PL4 8AA
UK

Tel: 01752 233042
Mobile:
Fax: 01752 233035
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information