Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Dronning Maud Land Initiative: mapping bed topography & past ice sheet limits to provide a legacy for numerical modelling  (The Dronning Maud Land Initiative)

Outline
Dronning Maud Land (DML) is one of the least explored areas of Antarctica. We propose an initiative which will significantly increase our knowledge of; 1) the bed topography of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) in this region, 2) the bathymetry and landforms of areas once covered by the EAIS off DML, 3) the timing and extent of past offshore fluctuations, as well as 4) onshore variations in vertical extents of the EAIS in the DML. The results will be brought together to provide - a legacy – i.e. boundary conditions and calibration for numerical ice sheet model experiments addressing; a) the contribution of the EAIS to global sea level changes, b) the present state of the EAIS, c) the future of the EAIS, d) the long-term development of the EAIS and, e) to provide a framework to which recent glaciological observations can be evaluated and incorporated. The following approaches will allow us to retrieve the necessary data (numbered as above): 1) Bed topographic mapping using radio-echo sounding from aircraft and/or drones. 2) Bathymetric surveying by means of ice-strengthened/breaking vessels and for sub ice shelf work, AUVs or ice-shelf-surface seismic soundings can be used. 3) Marine geological studies (based on sediment cores & reflection seismics) in combination with (results from) 2. 4) Mapping and sampling glacial deposits on Nunataks together with chronological constraints from in-situ produced cosmogenic radionuclides will provide data on the extent and age of past ice surface high-stands. This from a region which through numerical ice sheet modelling has been shown to be the most sensitive to climatic changes and the most discriminative to glaciological model parameters. The scientific value also reaches beyond that already mentioned (a-e) namely: f) Bathymetric data will allow realistic oceanographic models to be established which can address ice sheet-ocean interactions. g) The data may allow numerical ice sheet models to be improved. h) The investigations in 2-4 will yield knowledge on glacial and marine processes, continental margin development, and the long term history of the EAIS. We further recognise the potential to extend this initiative to encompass both the entire East- and West Antarctic Ice Sheets.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
1. The status of the EAIS in DML will be addressed through integration of field results and numerical modelling 2. Past changes of the EAIS will be quantified through field results and modelling and future changes will be evaluated through modelling 3. The EAIS is an important driver of eustatic sea level changes, and so contributes to global linkages of sea level and climate. 4. Exploring sub ice-shelf areas by means of AUVs probes into new frontiers

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We hope to involve researchers from all nations having logistical infrastructure and/or a history of research in Dronning Maud Land. We also hope to involve scientists from a larger number of nations for the final proposal.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The fieldwork will focus on the land and shelf areas of Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica. The terrestrial fieldwork may have its base in the Norwegian station Troll which has an operational runway. Marine fieldwork will rely on research vessels.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/07 – 02/08      11/08 – 02/09      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Task 1) Fixed wing aircraft or drones equipped with radio-echo sounder 2) Ice strengthened/breaking research vessel, AUV or helicopter support for seismic sounding from ice shelf surfaces 3) Ice strengthened/breaking research vessel 4) Helicopter support/snow terrain vehicles Terrestrial work can make use of existing field stations as bases. Fuel depots may be necessary for reaching distant Nunatak areas. Resources may be shared i.e. multidisciplinary cruises and helicopter support.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The legacy from the proposed project will constitute new and improved high-resolution bed-topographic and bathymetric datasets and constraints of past ice sheet limits – all being crucial infrastructure for numerical ice sheet models. In addition, improved bathymetry constitutes crucial infrastructure for oceanographic research and modelling.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
A copy of this pre-proposal has been sent 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?
New
The project as a whole is a new autonomous proposal. However, a proposal for initial research along task 4 has been submitted (Nov. 04) to the Norwegian Research Council for funding during 2005-2006.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Each of the outline field-work tasks (1-4) will form working groups together with a numerical ice sheet modelling group. Leaders of each working group form a project steering committee where the leader of the ice sheet modelling group has a key role to structure the other working groups in so that their work and results are designed to directly feed into numerical ice sheet models.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project will establish cooperation with schools and provide them with visits/lectures before and after expeditions, and allow classes to follow the expedition on a day-to-day basis over the internet. Museums and other outreach organisations will be contacted and supplied with material for exhibitions. We would hope to engage media (television, radio and newspapers) in covering the expeditions and their outcome.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
For the bed-topography, the British Antarctic Survey have historically been collecting and collating data to produce maps of the bed topography. We hope they could take on such a role also during the IPY. For reflection seismic data and bathymetry off Dronning Maud Land the Alfred Wegner Institute has historically taken on a similar role. All data will be made freely available to the research community in digital form.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We foresee that for individual work packages the funding may be shared by 2 to 4 nations. Funding will be sought within the frames of national research foundations/programmes.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
We specifically want the project to involve young researchers with post doctoral experience from relevant fields to attract their attention to Polar research. The structure of the project should allow them to develop research groups including postgraduate and graduate students and at the same time provide support from more experienced researchers. Exchange of researchers and students in terms of visits e.g. sabbaticals, will further be strongly encouraged.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Torbjørn Dahlgren
Department of Geology, University of Tromsø


N-9007 Tromsø
Norway

Tel: +47 77646374
Mobile: +47 93222814
Fax:
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information