Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Bipolar Atlantic Thermohaline Circulation  (BIAC)

Outline
Background: The role of the Thermohaline Circulation (THC) as a driving force for the ocean circulation, and therefore the global climate, is well acknowledged. The majority of the deep- and bottom- water production takes place in the Atlantic sector. The densest water ventilating the world ocean abyss is produced in the northern and southern extremes. When the dense water is cascading towards great depths, it mixes with surrounding water masses to produce the various brands of bottom water. The replacement of the surrounding water is believed to be an important driving force for the global THC. Feedbacks between the THC rate and surface biogeochemistry control the magnitude of natural and anthropogenic carbon uptake to intermediate and deep waters. The BIAC concentrate on all aspects related to bottom water formation and THC in the past, present and future. Modeling and remote sensing are important tools, as well as in situ measurements that will require adequately equipped icebreakers. Objectives • Identify locations where dense water is formed (open ocean, shallow shelves) • Study dense water formation processes; cooling, ice formation, convection • Identify dense water pathways on shelves and in semi-closed basins • Study the cascading of dense water towards the deep ocean. • Define physical and biogeochemical controls on ocean carbon biogeochemistry • Investigate relationships between variability in deep-water formation, CO2 uptake rates and large-scale natural or anthropogenic climate forcing • Obtain paleo-records of dense-water formation rates Approaches Field work • CTD/ADCP sections • Strategic sampling programs for biogeochemical studies including tracers • Deployment of moored instruments • Deployments of drifters at various levels. • Study plume dynamics by bottom following drifters and turbulence measurements • Using autonomous vehicles for measurements below sea ice and ice shelves • Do sediment coring and seismic investigations in carefully selected areas. Modeling Numerical and analytical models are important tools both in the pre-observation phase and for maximum exploitation of the data. We will need a variety of models varying from global coupled numerical climate models to small scale process studies. Analytical models for studies of paleo-climatological variability as well as turbulence are also under development. Examples: • Bottom Water Formation and THC • Uptake and vertical transfer of anthropogenic CO2 in Polar Regions • Dynamics of dense water cascading towards great ocean depths • The role of Antarctic Ice Sheets for ocean stratification on geological time scales

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
1. The BIAC observational program will be focused on bottom and deep water production, processes which are directly related to the global THC and climate 2. Changes in polar regions will be studied using observations and models, the particular focus will be the role of high latitude processes for global climate 3. It is important to understand bipolar similarities and differences and their respective influence on global climate 4. New instrumentation and observation techniques will be developed for measurements an ice covered areas. 5. Key monitoring stations may be established for long term climate watch

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The present proposal will be a continuation and extension of observation programs run by Norway, UK Germany, USA and others. The activities proposed here must be co-ordinated with initiatives like SASSI, CARE and AOSB-CLIC

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Northern and Eastern Barents Sea, as well as shallow shelves and slopes within the Arctic, and the Southern Weddell Sea, including the floating ice shelves seem to be key locations.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/2007 – 09/2007      01/2008 – 12/2008      03/2007– 03/2009 (moorings)
Antarctic: 01/2007 – 03/2007      01/2008 – 12/2008      01/2007 – 12/2009 (moorings)

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice strengthened vessels are essential for most of the field work, preferably co-ordinated with related projects, see 1.7.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
One of our targets is to identify key locations for monitoring processes and environmental parameters in polar areas, which will serve as climate monitoring stations in the future.

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

We are aware that the logistics needed here are difficult, challenging and expensive. This is why we must use the IPY as a unique opportunity to perform these experiments.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
BIAC is submitted to the Norwegian IPY committee.

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 bipolar component of BIAC is stressed. The planned activities should be combined with planned activities as SASSI, AOSB-CLIC and CARE.

How will the project be organised and managed?
We will set up an international steering committee which has members from the other activities planned during IPY. The Norwegian Polar Research Institute and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research may play key roles in providing Project office support.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Several short term cruises will be ideal for student training. The BIAC data may provide data for a number MSc and Phd thesis. Home pages on www will be established to promote BIAC activities and dissemination of results.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Each participating institution has the responsibility for quality control of the data, and to submit them to a common data base. The data will be maid available for the international community following the general principles. The web site will be used as an entry point for accessing the data.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Each nation will apply for its own funding. EU funding will be explored.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Pilot studies and key observation programs relevant for BIAC will be performed in the pre-IPY period by the ongoing international programs.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Tor Gammelsrød
University of Bergen
Geofysisk Institutt
Allegt 70, Bergen
5007
Norway

Tel: +4755582695
Mobile: +4795210061
Fax: +55589883
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information