Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

MOORING-BASED ARCTIC OCEAN OBSERVATIONAL SYSTEM  (MAOOS)

Outline
We propose a coordinated large-scale mooring-based observational program of the Eurasian and Canadian basins of the Arctic Ocean. The widely spaced array of moorings will emphasize the largest-scale modes of variability, including basin-scale shifts of the Arctic Ocean circulation and water mass structure. The overall purpose of the proposed program is to provide a quantitative, observationally based assessment of circulation, water mass transformations, biogeochemical fluxes, key mechanisms of variability in the Arctic Ocean, and links to the lower-latitude processes. Coupled with existing oceanographic datasets, the observational data obtained under this program will enhance our understanding of Arctic Ocean variability on a broad range of time scales (from hours to years) and space scales (from meters to basin-scales). Linked with North Atlantic and Canadian Archipelago observations provided by other international programs like ASOF (Arctic/Subarctic Ocean Fluxes), our large-scale oceanographic survey will provide a unique opportunity for coordinated long-term measurements over a vast polar/sub-polar region. The cooperative, coordinated approach planned for the experiment makes it extremely cost-effective, scientifically justified, and sound. We expect that our program will nicely complement related Arctic Ocean field programs proposed under the IPY in a synergistic manner. Our vision is for this program to evolve into a long-term observational program which, together with other observational programs like the NSF-led SEARCH program or the EU-led DAMOCLES program, the Canadian-led ArcticNet, the Japan/Canada JWACS (Joint Western Arctic Climate Studies) program, will provide crucial information for detection of major climatic changes in the Arctic Ocean.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Under the stimulus of the IPY, this program will become the most comprehensive mooring-based observational system of the Arctic Ocean. The intention is to make this program a backbone of the proposed Arctic Ocean Observing System (AOOS) under umbrella of the two major international programs, SEARCH and DAMOCLES. This program will serve to further understanding of the evolving changes in the Arctic Ocean. The expected gain is in the enhanced predictability of the Arctic climate system. The major target of the program is Natural Science, but by addressing that target via Themes 1-4 of section 1.4 above.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Implementation by pan-Arctic PIs coordinated by the SSGs of US-SEARCH and EC-DAMOCLES via IAOOS program. International coordination of shiptime and mooring design. Shared data management system. Joint publication activity.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
MAOOS domain is the entire Arctic Ocean.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007-2009            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Surface ships (icebreakers & conventional), moorings (current meters, ice-profiling sonar, CTD profilers), profiling floats. Must be shareable with other projects

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Continued long-term maintenance of a set of moorings needed to understand/predict the role of the Arctic Ocean in climate.

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

Existing equipment stocks and PI involvement of individual agencies with national ship-time scheduling and supplemented/ coordinated by national and ’continental’ (N American and European) funding agencies.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This program has become a backbone of the proposed AOOS program. Its Science Plan was endorsed by the SEARCH and DAMOCLES leadership.

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
Rich legacy of the existing regional mooring-based observational programs like ArcticNet, ASOF, JWACS, NABOS, NPEO and several others is a vital part of the proposed initiative. Complemented by new mooring sites, advanced pioneering technologies, and cooperative spirit, this observational system is essentially a new program targeting long-term large-scale Arctic Ocean climate change and variability.

How will the project be organised and managed?
A Project Steering Committee will be established and Science Plan of the Program will be developed in 2005. Implementation will follow the principal funding sources, with the AOOS-SEARCH SSG under Peter Schlosser LDEO responsible for implementing the ‘North American’ part of this pan-Arctic Plan, including both NSF and NOAA projects plus companion Canadian and Pacific-Arctic efforts, and the AOOS-DAMOCLES SSG under Jean-Claude Gascard (LODYC) responsible for implementing the European and associated observing efforts. Issues of scientific coordination, gap-filling and two-way liaison with user communities will be managed and coordinated by the Steering Committee.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We plan a range of educational summer schools, including on board icebreakers, plus interactive websites and semi-permanent exhibits at various meetings for communication and outreach.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
MAOOS end-products will be presented to the user community through web technology and access to metadata using HTTP/FTP and OpeNDAP technology. Successful and relevant MAOOS end-products would be promoted via permanent and well established data centers. The length of any ‘privilege periods’, the role of World Data Centers and other specialised centers are under discussion.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Following notification through national Cttees and endorsement by the IPY-JC, funding would be by normal routes, eg by the Interagency Funding Group in USA, by a range of National Research Councils and Government Departments in Europe, and as full-cost or additional-cost partners in Sub-Priority 1.1.6.3 of EC Framework Programme 6.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Igor Polyakov
IARC/UAF
930 Koyukuk Drive
Fairbanks
AK 99775
USA

Tel: 907-474-2686
Mobile:
Fax: 907-474-2643
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information