Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Formation, dynamics and decay of icebergs in the Western sector of Russian Arctic  (Icebergs and glaciers of Western Arctic)

Outline
The Project is intended ·to collect the new data and to perform the generalization of the archive data on formation (calving) and distribution of icebergs in Barents and Kara seas, ·to estimate the outlet glaciers of Western Arctic isles and archipelagoes from the standpoint of their iceberg production, ·Analysis of spatial distribution of icebergs, their dynamic, morphometric (dimensions and form of freeboard and underwater parts) and physico-mechanical properties, ·Modeling of thermodynamical regime and iceberg drift, ·Study of iceberg influence on the hydrophysical fields.Estimation of icebergs production is based on the analysis of the glacier satellite images of the past years; monitoring of the main outlet glaciers of arctic archipelagoes based both on the satellite and field materials; aerial stereo photo surveys of fronts of glaciers in order to estimate their dimensions and dynamics; estimation of glacier thickness and structure with the help of radar sounding. To obtain the information on the morphometric and physico-mechanical properties of iceberg (glacier) ice the special field works are needed. Such field activities will include the aerial stereo photo surveys of icebergs, determination of the up-water and below-water parts of icebergs, iceberg ice samplings. The dynamical characteristics of icebergs could be obtained with the help of high resolution satellite images, performed with the same discreteness and the coordinates, transmitted by the means of special buoys equipped with GPS and radio/satellite phone terminals, that are planned to be installed on drifting icebergs (Examples – ARGOS buoys IDAP experiments in 1992, AARI experiments in 2004). The spatial distribution of icebergs is to be estimated on data of satellite images and the results of aerial survey, performed by airplane-laboratory AN-26.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Formation of icebergs in the Arctic is the matter of increasing importance regarding the estimation of arctic outlet glaciers variations, and the glaciers are the indicators of climate change in the High Latitudes. Furthermore, icebergs are the objects of real serious threat to the offshore structures and installations, intended for the Polar Seas offshore development.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) and Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, NERSC (Norway). Coordination of research with the other IPY projects and national programs, dealing with the study of Western Arctic climatic system.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Barents Sea water area, waters adjacent to the regions of outlet glaciers of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land, glaciers of these archipelagoes.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/07-04/07      08/07/-09/07      03/07, 07/07, 09/07
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
· Ice strengthened research ship (such as RV “Mihail Somov”) or icebreaker· Airplane-laboratory AN-26 (flight over the Barents Sea area, aerial stereo photo survey, side-looking radars, IR – radiometry, visual observations of icebergs on the Barents Sea area)· R/V “Ivan Petrov” (summer research activities)· Helicopter MI-8 (T or MT modifications).The equipment, that is needed for performing of this project includes – aerial stereo photo apparatus AFA-41/10, set of radio sounding equipment RLS–620 and RLS-620M (to be installed onboard the helicopter), polar sonar “SONIC-5-PI”, geodetic equipment, thermistor chains, equipment for energy balance studies, acoustic Doppler current profilers, CTD-profilers, small hydro sonar, buoys equipped with GPS and radio/satellite phone terminals, meteorological equipment, equipment for ice mechanical properties testing. The database of the satellite images of icebergs and glacier areas is also required. All above mentioned equipment is using for performing of other projects – such as AARI field work in the Barents Sea and IG RAS glacier research activities worldwide.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Data on dynamics and iceberg formation of outlet glaciers of the western sector of Russian Arctic (mainly Barents Sea), to be obtained during carrying out of this project, could be addressed for long-term forecast of Barents Sea offshore. Accumulation and adjustment of data on forms and sizes of icebergs, their trajectories and drift velocities, physico-mechanical properties, time of existence is a matter of value from the practical standpoint of safe maintenance of offshore carbohydrate deposits (for example – Shtokman NLG Deposit in the Barents Sea) and ecological catastrophes preventing.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
YES

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 project could be considered as the part of RFFI (Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research) Grant ?05-05-64732-? (at the present time is on the stage of consideration), that is planned to perform in 2005-2007. For the similar purpose the “Program of the Barents Sea iceberg studies for the purpose of safe exploitation of structures and transport operations in the Shtokman GCF” intended for 3 years of research was performed by AARI specialists with the contribution of IG RAS and Russian branch of NERSC. Now this Program is on the stage of consideration of JSC “Sevmorneftegaz”. In terms of IPY 2007/08 this project is the new autonomous proposal.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Work on this project will be prepared, organized and managed on the national level with coordination of activities, carrying out according RFFI Grant and research work, performing for offshore companies (JSC “Sevmorneftegaz” and other companies).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The results of the project will be widely presented in reports and articles. Young specialists will be engaged in data obtaining and systematization and later in data processing.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
The obtained data on dynamics of outlet glaciers and icebergs after processing and publication will be integrated in the international data banks.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project is planned to be financed from the budgets of Roshydromet, RAS and funds of offshore developing operators.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

PhD, Head of “Arctic-Shelf” Laboratory Gennady Zubakin
SI AARI
Bering Str., 38
St.-Petersburg
199 397
Russia

Tel: +7 (812)-352-02-75
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Fax: +7 (812)-352-02-75
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