Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Interdisciplinary Antarctic Research in Geodesy Using Instrumented Airborne Platforms  (Airborne Antarctic Geodesy (AAG))

Outline
During the last few decades, Geodesy or more appropriately, Geodetic Science, has evolved into an interdisciplinary field in the Earth environmental sciences that exploits new instrument technologies to acquire fundamental and exquisitely accurate measurements of time, 3-D positions, and gravitation to advance our understanding of the planet, its dynamics, and corresponding human interactions. These measurements and observations enable the realization of reference frames; the construction of detailed gravity models, tidal models, topographic and bathymetric data bases; the monitoring and modeling of Earth orientation, solid Earth deformation, hydrological processes, glacial isostatic rebound, ocean circulations, and tidal dissipation; and climate-sensitive data including ocean winds, changes in sea level, ice sheets, sea ice, glaciers. Geodetic measurements and modeling thus cross a multitude of disciplines in the Earth sciences, including geophysics, geodynamics, meteorology, geomagnetism, hydrology, and oceanography. For example, advances in the measurement of the gravity with modern free-fall methods have reached an accuracy of 10-9 g (~1__Gal or 10 nm/s2), allowing the measurement of effects of mass changes in the Earth interior or the geophysical fluids (ocean, cryosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere), and the commensurate 1 part per billion (ppb) measurement accuracy of height changes at ~3 mm relative to the Earth's center of mass. Geodetic science for interdisciplinary research in Antarctica via an instrumented, long-range airborne platform or other platforms such as an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) provides accurate observations and models for fine-resolution gravity and magnetic fields, subglacial topography, ice sheet mass balance and ice stream velocities, Antarctic sea level change, ocean tides, marine gravity and bathymetry over seasonally or permanently covered sea ice, sea ice freeboard height change, and digital elevation models for ice-covered and exposed land topography, tectonic uplift and postglacial rebound. We propose to coordinate or collaborate with national and international organizations and scientists to conduct geodetic mapping of Antarctica and its marginal seas. These regional and local airborne geodetic observations support Antarctic research and applications already underway or envisioned by satellite missions (ICESat, CryoSat, ENVISAT, GRACE, GOCE) with improved resolution (especially in gravity modeling) and in terms of the calibration and validation of satellite data. The combined airborne and satellite measurement systems will provide a comprehensive base for Antarctic research in geology and ice sheet dynamics, lithosphere rifting and other crustal structures, sea ice thickness change, ice sheet mass balance and its role in global sea level change, sea level and ocean circulations and coupled ice-ocean dynamics.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project will advance the IPY themes of detecting Antarctic change, understanding polar processes, attracting the next generation of researchers, and capturing the interest of the public. The project will improve and augment the geophysical data bases for current and future Earth environmental research in Antarctic. Observations and models will be used to investigate ice-ocean processes and interactions and ice-land topography interfaces. The public will be informed about the Antarctic region and the relevant environmental sciences, through an educational outreach component including web sites, classroom programs, conference participation, and the involvement of undergraduate and graduate students.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
nternational collaboration is expected in all aspects of this project because of the nature of our approach: data collection, modeling, and numerical analysis from the most comprehensive and advanced research groups in USA, Japan, Demark, Germany, and from organizations including IAG, and SCAR.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
We expect to plan and execute airborne field surveys in the interior and along coastal margins of Antarctica. Interior sorties will be launched from major coastal support facilities. We also plan to analyze and integrate the observational data for validation and calibration, and reduction to standardized datums and reference frames.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: To be determined based on available support            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We intend to coordinate logistical support with the agencies and other groups that will participate in the surveys and with the existing support infrastructure.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The legacy of this project will include a comprehensive integrated dataset for Earth environmental research leading to improved understanding of climate, ocean and land dynamics in Antarctica and how these influence the global environment.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes. NASA, IAG Commission Project (M. Scheinert, Chair), SCAR, NGA

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

How will the project be organised and managed?
There will be a steering committee to effectively manage and coordinate the project. This committee will consist of project investigators, colleagues from other disciplines, experts from other IPY activities, and stakeholders. This committee will provide overall project guidance, formulate numerical experiment strategy, develop international collaboration.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
An extensive educational outreach component will include media contacts, web sites, classroom programs, public lectures, and the participation of undergraduate and graduate students. Creative use of improved communication and internet access will bring an unprecedented sense of immediacy from the field to the public.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
All data and metadata from the project will be analyzed, archived, and submitted to the established data archives at our web site (http://geodesy.eng.ohio-state.edu) and archives of the participating institutions/countries.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded through submission of additional new proposals to national funding agencies, including NSF, NASA and NGA.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof Christopher Jekeli
470 Hitchcock Hall
2070 Neil Ave.
Columbus, Ohio
43210-1275
USA

Tel: 614-292-7117
Mobile:
Fax: 614-292-2957
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information