Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

International Study of Arctic Change  (ISAC)

Outline
The recently observed changes in the Arctic system are caused by interaction of multiple factors and already have significant impact on people and ecosystems. For example, changes in climate, biodiversity, land use, increased natural resource exploitation, and marine transportation are closely interlinked with social, cultural and economic activities. Significant pressure on the environment caused by human activities on all spatial scales significantly contributes to the observed changes and will lead to further, probably larger, changes in the future. Understanding the interaction of the human and environmental domains in the Arctic and its effects on the globe are the major focal points of the ISAC study. In order to reach this goal ISAC aims to facilitate a better understanding of how the Arctic evolves over time on a system scale and how it relates to the Earth System. More specifically, ISAC will i.a.: i) collect, analyze and disseminate data from an integrated Arctic system observing network based on existing and new long-term observing sites as well as observing methods; ii) clarify interconnections between various system components in the Arctic, including atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, biosphere, land, and anthrosphere; iii) study the nature and magnitude of positive or negative feedback processes which are characteristic of the Arctic system; iv) study natural variability in the Arctic region; v) quantify current environmental changes and predict future changes in the Arctic system; vi) suggest ways for the adaptation of human living conditions to changes in the Arctic environment; and vii) suggest ways for sustainable use of Arctic natural resources, in harmony with future scenarios for socio-economic development.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
ISAC with its broad scope will address all six IPY research themes as indicated by item i) to vii) under 1.3 above.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The overall objectives of ISAC should be reached through a closely coordinated, multi-national, Pan-Arctic effort. ISAC is based on the SEARCH (Study of Environmental Arctic Change) initiative, will build upon the outcome of ACIA (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment) and AHDR (Arctic Human Development Report) and requires close collaboration with other Arctic research programmes and organisations.A number of international and national projects are addressing topics relevant to the ISAC objectives and the intention is not to duplicate any of these initiatives, but rather to cooperate and foster communication between ongoing activities, such as the iAOOS or the CLIC ACP.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The ISAC geographic interest area covers the whole Arctic sector.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/07 – 03/09            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
ISAC goal is to cooperate and foster communication between planned and ongoing activities, thus optimizing the use of resources.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Within the ISAC activities a suite of observation systems will be developed, optimized and deployed. These systems will be in place for the foreseeable future and benefit a wide range of future Arctic research activities.

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
Commercial operator
Own support

The objective of ISAC is to coordinate the Arctic research and their use of scientific and logistic resources, regardless of their origin.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No, but ISAC was initiated and has been endorsed by the international bodies IASC and AOSB.

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
ISAC is a new initiative to facilitate a better understanding of how the Arctic evolves over time on a system scale and how it relates to the Earth System with the objective to cooperate and foster communication between ongoing activities.

How will the project be organised and managed?
ISAC is sponsored by IASC and AOSB and its science will be based on an International Science Plan and implemented through an Implementation Plan, both developed by an International Science Steering Group. ISAC is planned to be managed through an international project office to be set up during 2006

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Important parts of ISAC include communication with indigenous communities and education of young scientists. Various channels will be used to disseminate information to a wide range of audiences, including presentations at conferences, lectures to the public, preparation of material that can be integrated into curricular material, and through the web. It is anticipated that several initiatives of summer schools, PhD student courses, etc. will be performed within the scope of ISAC.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
As the main objective of ISAC is the Earth System view, including the human dimension, it is essential to have a smooth flow of data between different groups. Hence ISAC is aiming for data being managed according to international data and metadata standards (leaning on experience by present successful data managers) and made available to the public.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
ISAC being an international program of broad interdisciplinary scope will seek funding from suitable agencies at national and international levels.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof Leif Anderson
Kemivägen 10, Göteborg


SE-412 96
Sweden

Tel: +46 31 772 27 74
Mobile:
Fax: +46 31 772 27 85
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information