Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Pan-Arctic ocean circulation experiment  (PACE)

Outline
The geographical area of the Arctic Ocean is only 4% of the world ocean. However the dynamical size of the Arctic Ocean is not so small. It is comparable to the dynamical size of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, the Arctic Ocean circulation possesses the quite similar stratification and circulation pattern as that observed in the mid-latitude Ocean. However the basic definition and naming of the ocean current such as Gulf Stream, Kuroshio has not been provided yet. In order to develop the Arctic Oceanography, such kind of basic common understandings are required, not only among science communities but also among standard text books and maps for students. In the Arctic Ocean, there are two types of upper ocean circulation. One is an anti-cyclonic circulation in the Pacific side of the Arctic Ocean (Pacific Arctic). The other is a cyclonic circulation in the Atlantic side of the Arctic Ocean (Atlantic Arctic). The two types of the circulation pattern are associated with the upper ocean temperature and salinity stratification that are crucially important for the formation and maintenance of sea ice cover. Our projected PACE section, azimuthal hydrographic sections in the Siberian side of Makarov Basin and Western Canada Basin across the major ridges can give a basic view of Arctic Ocean circulation. The key issues to develop the Arctic climate oceanography into a predictable science are systematic understandings of Arctic Ocean circulation. Delivery of simplified understandings of Arctic Ocean is one of important duty to guide next generation who can progress the polar science among the global environmental science.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Status: This project will provide systematic and simple understandings of Arctic Ocean circulation.Change: This project will find key oceanographic parameter to cause climate variation and changes. Global Linkages: The project data will be opened and synthesized into a pan-Arctic IPY snap shot data sets. New Frontiers: Basic and simple product for education is expected. Human Dimension: The project will promote interest of Japanese nation on polar science.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This proposal is an extension of JWACS (Japan-Canada Joint Western Arctic Climate Studies) and has a close linkage with Shelf Basin Exchange Initiative/ AOSB and the Working Group on Arctic Margins and Gateways/ ICARPII.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The PACE section will connect the planed international SBE section. See figure.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: TBC            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Heavy ice breaker

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
As in the case of first Japanese Antarctic expedition, the project will leave legacy of research community inside Japan. This will develop infrastructure of new Arctic science for Japanese.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This proposal is endorsed by the IPY-4 Japanese National Committee, Science Council of Japan.

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

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be initiated by Japanese scientists who will prepare a detailed science plan, coordinate national and international team.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Inviting university students who will develop Polar science in future.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
The project data and archived JAMSTEC Arctic Ocean data will be opened and synthesized into the pan-Arctic IPY data sets for next generation.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
In progress

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Koji Shimada
2-15 Natsushima, Yokosuka


237-0061
Japan

Tel: 81-468-67-9485
Mobile:
Fax: 81-468-67-9455
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information