Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Upper Atmosphere Monitoring for Polar Year 2007-2008  (UAMPY)

Outline
UAMPY is a programme to create the necessary international cooperation to develop a polar upper atmosphere observation network on both the hemispheres. It will allow unprecedented observation of the polar ionosphere, with extended auroral and polar coverage, making possible the mapping of features from mid- through polar latitudes and the studies of associated polar ionospheric processes. The project includes a unique ability to monitor polar scintillation globally. Scintillation is a significant concern for trans-polar navigation and communication. The potential exists for numerous new studies - both scientific and practical investigations. UAMPY is actually proposed by: INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia – Rome, ITALY), IFAC/ISC-CNR (Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”/Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, Florence, ITALY), UNIVERSITY OF BATH (UK), SRC-PAS (Space Research Center, Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw, POLAND), UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY (CANADA), HMO (Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, Hermanus, SOUTH AFRICA) together with other collaborators of the South African Space Physics community including ISSA (Institute for Satellite and Software Applications), HartRAO (Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory), NWU(Northwest University), UND (University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban), UP (Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria). These groups manage several experimental observations in Arctic and Antarctica: GPS scintillations receivers at Ny Alesund (Svalbard, Norway) and along the EISCAT sites in Tromso, Kiruna and Sodankyla; ionosonde, scintillation receivers and magnetometer at the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund (Svalbard); the Canadian GPS Network for Ionosphere Monitoring (CANGIM); riometers and a digital ionosonde AIS-INGV (Advanced Ionospheric Sounder INGV) in Antarctica at the Italian Station “Mario Zucchelli”; magnetometer, riometer, GPS dual frequency receivers and HF Radar (part of the SuperDARN network) at the South Africa observatory at the SANAE IV in Antarctica. As this long experience we propose to constitute a network for studying ionospheric irregularities with a multidisciplinary approach, as follows: • Coordinate the existing experimental observations to monitor the upper atmosphere phenomena; • Enlarge the experimental equipment with the installation of other scintillations receivers necessary to cover the current lack over the poles; • Collect the upper atmosphere data for constituting a robust database and archive for scientific as well as for Space Weather aims; • Study and develop the ionospheric scintillation modelling and the simulation of physical processes causing structuring of the high-latitude ionosphere; • Design a server for the remote control and management of the instrumentation, for hosting the database and for retrieving added value products (plots, maps, etc.).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The upper atmosphere monitoring over the poles is needed for investigating and modelling the ionospheric variability in different spatial/temporal range, contributing to Space Weather and to the understanding of solar-terrestrial coupling processes by the integration of observations from many instruments in the polar regions (Themes 3,4,5). UAMPY can contribute to scientific outreach of the polar upper atmosphere physics with educational initiatives as exhibitions, seminars addressed to the schools, schools on upper atmosphere themes, etc. The creation of a network for the upper atmosphere monitoring and of a server for data management will leave an important legacy to the international community.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
UAMPY is an international proposal for IPY involving different scientific groups from UK, Poland, Italy, South Africa and Canada. Collaboration will take place through data sharing, student exchanges, workshops, etc.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Our activity benefits from existing GPS scintillation receivers in Arctic and proposes the installation of GPS scintillation receivers in Arctic at Ny Alesund, Svalbard, (79°9'N, 11°9'E) and at EISCAT sites, in Antarctica at Mario Zucchelli Station (74°69'S, 164°12'E); DomeC (75°06'S, 123°24'E); SANAE (71°40'S, 2°51'W) and Digisondes at ISSA and/or SANAE.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/2005-02/2009            
Antarctic: 06/2005-02/2009            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Some GPS scintillations receivers are already operational, support is requested for installing other receivers at the polar stations of both the hemispheres and for upgrading some facilities. Other projects on the Solar-Terrestrial relationships and geodesy projects (that use GPS receivers) could be interested in sharing logistic support.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The legacy of UAMPY will be the network of upper atmosphere monitoring at high latitude and its server for data distribution and dissemination.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
UAMPY is in the process of being considered by the Italian National Committee for IPY and by office of the South African Minister of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). DST already supports upper atmosphere observations at SANAE. The IPY Polish Committee endorsed the participation of SRC-PAS in UAMPY.

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
UAMPY is a new project that would like to coordinate existing scientific structures and facilities and to increase, with new equipment installation, the monitoring of the upper atmosphere environment at high latitude.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed by INGV with input from the collaborators. UAMPY workshops will be held annually and scheduled in conjunction with other international conferences/meetings for convenience. Researchers from the various institutions will participate in exchanges, to facilitate sharing of knowledge and expertise. The researchers will also convene special sessions at national and international meetings. A web-based project homepage will be set up for the dissemination of the project research, progress reports and publications. A mailing list for the interested parties will be available to maximize the visibility of the project and attract potential new partners.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
As the multidisciplinary nature of UAMPY, the initial plans are to organize seminars addressed to the schools, to the universities and/or open to the public for describing the importance of the investigation of the high latitude upper atmosphere for understanding the Solar-Terrestrial relationships.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
The initial plans for data management are to collect high latitude upper atmosphere data and make them available to the international community via the implementation of a server.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
AvailaAvailable resources, as instrumentations, software, facilities and salaries of the involved people, are provided by the UAMPY proposal group and already funded by PNRA (Italian National Program for Antarctic Research) and SANAP (South Africa National Antarctic Program). Needed resources could be supported by respective National Programs and European and South African Agencies.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
UAMPY UAMPY is aware of other EoI’s, with which it seeks strongest coordination: Radio tomographic imaging of the Arctic ionised atmosphere by the International Ionospheric Tomography Community (IITC) (by S E Pryse, H B Vo, L Kersley, E J Fremouw, J A Secan, G S Bust, T Turunen); TANGO, Temporary Antarctic Network of Geophysical Observatories (by A. Morelli and A. Meloni); GLORIA, Global RIometer Array (by F. Honary).

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr  Lucilla Alfonsi
Via di Vigna Murata, 605 - Rome


00143
Italy

Tel: 0039 06 51860524
Mobile:
Fax: 0039 06 51860397
Email:

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