Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #150:THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF ARCTIC GLACIERS  (DRAC)

Outline
One of the core Arctic problems in the context of global warming is the response of glaciers and how they will affect sea level. Warmer temperatures will cause more melting. However, the effects of that water on its way to the oceans are poorly understood. Meltwater can travel to the bed of a glacier, thereby increasing its velocity. This will increase its calving rate and boost glacier retreat and sea level rise. This project plans to study the paths and effects of this meltwater on glaciers in Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Svalbard. Satellite imagery techniques and ground penetrating radar will be used to do this.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The new data will illustrate the present state of glaciers in a large part of the circumpolar region 2: change: The proposal aims to determine how the effects of increasing glacier melt are changing the velocity and calving rates of those glaciers. 3: Global Linkages: The study will determine the link between global warming, increased glacier melt, calving and changing sea level. 4: New Frontiers: not applicable 5: Vantage Point: not applicable 6: Human Dimension: not applicable

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This is the proposal presently submitted by the glacier working-group of the International Arctic Science Committee, to that committee, for consideration as an IPY proposal. It therefore is expected to involve various groups from most of the circumpolar countries.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Glaciers in Svalbard, Arctic Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Canada, Alaska.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/07      04/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The Canadian part of this exercise will require PCSP fixed wing and Resolute Bay support. Part of the work may be combined with ongoing and/or other IPY projects in most of the areas with the main exception of Greenland.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
It will do so in terms of technology (ground-based and satellite), logistics methodology and the production of improved models of glacier/climatic change/sea level relationships.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The project will require funding independently from each national organisation for the required field operations.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project has so far only been endorsed by the Finnish IPY secretariat but is presently with the International Arctic Science Committee. This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: THEME: Education, Outreach & Communication SUB-THEME: Variability and change in the Canadian Cryosphere

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?
yes
The USA NASA organisation is presently reviewing some projects directly related to the work proposed here. If funded it would be hoped that they would work in conjunction with this proposal and might cover the Greenland aspect of it.

How will the project be organised and managed?
To avoid large overheads, the programme will be run with a simple organizational structure. The annual IASC-working group meeting will be the main occasion for discussion of results, planning of combined fieldwork, and shaping of the output. A small Steering Committee (4 or 5 members) will be established to run and coordinate the daily matters (including the maintenance of a high-quality website).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
There are no initial plans but this will be discussed in an upcoming meeting in January 2005.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Quality checked data will be made available to the scientific community through the IASC glacier working group website.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
All participants have to seek funding from their national research councils or other organizations. It is hoped that IASC can provide some basic funding for annual meetings for project discussion and planning.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project is presently with the main International Arctic Science Committee, which it is hoped will give approval to proceed with further planning and proposal building. The overall lead will be the chair of the glacier group i.e. Professsor J. Oerlemans, Univ. Utrecht, The Netherlands.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Roy Koerner
Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada
601 Booth St,
Ottawa, ON
K1A0E8
Canada

Tel: 613 996-7623
Mobile:
Fax: 613 996 5448
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information