Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

AUV-based measurements and modelling of heat flux from Atlantic water in the Arctic Ocean  (AUVs in the Arctic (AUVA))

Outline
Our ability to quantify the long-term evolution of the Arctic Ocean, and its interactions with the global atmosphere and ocean, depends on the development of complex, coupled ocean/ice/atmosphere models. However, these models are sensitive to the parameterization of physical processes controlling energy transfer and mixing at space and time scales smaller than the model grid resolution. Measurements of these processes in the Arctic are sparse. The short-term goal of AUVA is to improve these parameterizations by obtaining the necessary measurements and combining them with a multi-scale modelling strategy. The fieldwork involves sampling with a combination of dropped and lowered profilers, moored instruments, and two or more autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) of different types. Necessary modelling efforts cover a range of scales, from direct turbulence simulations resolving dissipative motions and millimeter-scale property fluctuations to large-eddy simulations and column models. In particular, we wish to quantify how upward heat fluxes from the subsurface Atlantic Water (AW) impact upper ocean hydrographic structure and sea ice properties. EoIs will be submitted by other investigators to initiate an Arctic autonomous observing system (AOS), consisting of, in part, ice-based profilers. Most AOS data, however, will focus on relatively large scales. It is still difficult to routinely acquire the fine- and micro-scale data needed for improving our understanding of mixing. However, we note that in other regions of the world, important information on fine scale ocean processes has been obtained by AUVs. Thus, a longer-term goal of AUVA is to develop the technology necessary to embed AUV use in an AOS. Realistically this will not be possible for several years, however this work directly addresses the IPY target of developing the technological legacy for improving polar data collection in the coming decades.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Recent observations have noted the impact of Atlantic Water variability on basin-wide temperature in the Arctic Ocean. This project contributes to Themes 1-3 by determining present conditions in a region where AW first enters the Arctic Basin, and by understanding the processes affecting the evolution of the AW layer, overlaying cold halocline, and sea-ice. Future monitoring of the Arctic Ocean will likely rely on a combination of drifting stations, moored stations, and autonomous platforms. This project contributes to Theme 4 by applying emerging AUV technologies to the observation of Arctic processes, a prerequisite to using AUVs within an Arctic Observatory network.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International participation is invited. We are aware that BAS has an ongoing “AUTOSUB Under Ice” program and will draw on their experience for under-ice AUV operations.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Yermak Plateau, north of Svalbard. This area was targeted because: YP area is source region of basin-wide AW intrusions, heat flux over the YP is large due to relatively energetic bathymetrically generated internal waves, and proximity to Fram Strait enables summertime access via icebreaker.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 08/2007 – 09/2007      08/2008 – 09/2008      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
This project will require an icebreaking vessel such as the USCGC Healy. The AUVs to be used will be provided by and operated by the respective PIs.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This activity will include engineering efforts directed at solving problems associated with using AUVs under ice and at high magnetic latitudes. The legacy of this effort will be advances in techniques and technology required to achieve longer term, more reliable under-ice AUV operations.

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

This project can be supported from a single icebreaker, such as the U.S. icebreaker USCGC Healy. The project could be an ancillary component of a larger, international effort, or could be the primary project and support ancillary PIs.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the U.S. National Committee for the IPY.

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?
his will be a self-managed, free-standing activity. The Co-PIs will organize the project and plan the field activities in conjunction with appropriate international collaborators. Required personnel and equipment will be managed by the PIs from their home institutions. Data will be processed by PIs and made available to the IPY science community through the cognizant national data center(s) (see Section 3.4).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Individual components of this project will provide opportunities for graduate and undergraduate oceanography and engineering students. Participation the Arctic fieldwork will provide an opportunity for professional development of k-12 teachers. Web-based logs of the field activities will provide near real-time access to Arctic science for k-12 students.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
In the absence of any other specific mandate, the data collected by this project under NSF funding would be submitted to the Arctic System Science Data Coordination Center (http://arcss.colorado.edu).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Individual components of the project will be funded by separate proposals to appropriate national funding agencies, such as the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr  Timothy Boyd
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
104 COAS Admin Bldg
Corvallis, OR
97331-5503
USA

Tel: (541) 737-4035
Mobile:
Fax: (541) 737-2064
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information