Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Monitoring of the Global Environmental Change in the Antarctic region  (Monitoring of the Global Environmental Change in the Antarctic region)

Outline
We have the following two plans for our proposed activity. 1) Monitoring of the ozone variation with balloon measurementsWe have developed a balloon-borne optical ozone sensor and have observed lower to upper stratospheric ozone at Sanriku, Japan since 1994. The variation of ozone concentrations over 30 km shows a good correlation with 11-year solar cycle. One reason for this correlation is that ozone in the upper stratosphere is affected chemically more than dynamically. Solar effects in ozone variations are expected to be enhanced in polar region. Continuous measurements of ozone by balloon-borne optical ozone sensors at Syowa Station will provide information of solar effects on the upper stratosphere. We can also investigate the 'ozone recovery' in the lower stratosphere. Some observations show that the ozone decreasing rate becomes smaller after 1996 due to a decrease in atmospheric CFCs concentration. However, other observations show no evidence of the 'ozone recovery'. It is one of most interesting subjects to investigate when the 'ozone recovery' starts. 2) Monitoring of global lightning and sprite activities with Schumann resonance observationsRecent satellite observations have monitored global lightning activity and suggested a relationship between lightning activity and variability of climate/weather. However, satellite observations cannot cover all the regions in the world simultaneously and never provide temporally continuous data. In order to understand the relationship between lightning activity and climate/weather, global and continuous observations are necessary. Our Tohoku University group has successfully developed a new method for monitoring of global lightning activity using Schumann resonance data observed at three stations: Kiruna (Sweden), Onagawa (Japan), and Syowa (Antarctica). These three stations are deployed globally as forming the best network. In particular, Syowa is necessary not only for the global network but also for high quality data acquisition because of very low artificial noise level without human activity. In order to investigate the link mechanisms between occurrence and activity of lightning/sprites and solar/geomagnetic activities, it is essential to obtain continuous data sets. We will develop and maintain a new ELF observation system to continue long-term observations. Further, the Tohoku University group has an international collaboration with research groups in Taiwan and United States and observes sprite/air glow/aurora with the ISUAL instrument onboard the polar orbit satellite, ROCSAT-II launched in May 2004. Coordinated ground-satellite observations will significantly contribute to accurate monitoring of global lightning and sprite activities.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The Antarctic region, which lies in the southern polar cap surrounded by sea in the circumpolar region, is quite unique in the world. In addition, rich natural resources in the Antarctic have never been untapped. We aim to understand the atmospheric environment and phenomena in the Antarctic region and to monitor global environmental change from the Antarctic by taking advantage of undisturbed environment. We will develop and maintain a new observation system for long-term observations. These observations will provide us important data sets related to the IPY themes #1, 3, and 5.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Our Tohoku University group observes sprite/air glow/aurora with the ISUAL instrument onboard the polar orbit satellite, ROCSAT-II, in an international collaboration with research groups in Taiwan and United States. Coordinated ground-satellite observations will significantly contribute to accurate monitoring of global lightning and sprite activities.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The geographic location for the proposed field work is mainly in the Antarctic region (balloon and ground-based measurement are carried out at Syowa Station). In addition, for operating our monitoring system of global lightning activity, other two stations, e.g., at Kiruna (Sweden), Onagawa (Japan) are required.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 01/07 – 02/09      present – 03/09      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
A new observation system will be required at Syowa Station, Antarctica, for our project. On the other hand, in order to resolve fundamental questions about variability of the Sun-Earth system, SCOSTEP program called "CAWSES" is implemented during 2004-2008. This resource will be usefully shared with the CAWSES studies.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
We will develop and maintain an observation system for long-term observations of ozone and the global environment at Syowa Station. This system will become a legacy of infrastructure for the global observation network.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
We have already started international collaboration with the research groups of Taiwan and United States as the ROCKSAT-II satellite project. Our project proposed here will be an extension of the international collaboration. This project is endorsed by the IPY 2007-2008 Japanese National Committee, Science Council of Japan.

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?
yes
We have started monitoring study of global lightning activity using a ground-based network of stations and an international collaboration with the ROCSAT-II satellite project. In order to carry out long-term observations for both the polar and global environments, we will develop and maintain a new observation system in the Antarctic.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Sprite optical observations are jointly carried out by Tohoku University, University of California, Berkley, and the National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. Ozone observations are jointly carried out by Tohoku University, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency/Institute of Space and Astronautical Science and the National Institute of Polar Research.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Many graduate students will take part in the project for studies of Master’s degrees or Ph. D degrees. The summary plots of the obtained data and outline of the project will be presented through the Internet not only for researchers but also teachers and students.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
All data will be put on homepages within one year after measurements.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We will provide some proposals to the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science to found the project.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor Hiroshi Fukunishi
Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
Aramaki-Aoba
Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
980-8578
Japan

Tel: 81-22-217-6734
Mobile:
Fax: 81-22-217-5775
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information