Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Optical measurements during the Antarctic winter – mesospheric temperatures and ionospheric auroral morphology  (NAOS – Norwegian Antarctic Optical Station)

Outline
This project is meant to be carried out throughout the Antarctic winter season (March to September), using optical instrumentation to measure mesospheric temperatures (primary objective) and auroral morphology (secondary objective). Mesospheric temperatures are important global climate indicators, and similar measurements have been carried out on Svalbard (at the Auroral Station) for the last 25 years. The primary objective is to develop a similar long term time series in Antarctica, and thereby obtaining a bipolar record of mesospheric temperatures. In addition the project includes a true color All Sky Camera Imager (ASCI) to look at auroral morphology. Morphologic studies of aurora indicate the existence of different types of space plasma populations in the ionosphere. This type of study yields information on transfer of energy and momentum from the solar wind into the ionosphere/magnetosphere system. It will be possible to do bipolar simultaneous measurements of the nightside aurora during March.The project will use a high sensitivity Ebert-Fastie spectrometer for mesospheric temperature measurements, and an all sky camera imager for nighttime auroral morphology studies. If needed (i.e. no available dome-space within the Troll station) the project will use a special equipped mobile field hut which will be fitted with a 3 ft optical dome. The field hut will contain PCs for running the instruments, as well as a radio link to connect with the Troll gateway. Apart from network access from Troll, only power (on the order of 10 kilowatts) is needed. If an optical dome is available at Troll, the budged will be reduced accordingly. The main expenses for this project appears in the first year. The following years, operation can be maintained with a low, cost-efficient budget.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project has two major objectives, both linked to IPY themes:Climate study: Long term measurements of climatic parameters are of vital importance for understanding environmental changes. The Polar Regions are in this regard very important, since they act as “early warning” areas due to few locally man made pollutants. This means that any changes in climatic parameters are due to either natural changes or long range transport of climate affecting pollutants. Solar variability coupled to the magnetosphere ionosphere and mesosphere: The magnetosphere is immensely important for the environment on the Earth. It shields us from harmful radiation from the Sun as it deflects the solar wind. Huge energetic solar eruptions (e.g. coronal mass ejections), are known to have caused disruptions in power grids on the Earths surface, disrupted radio communication and caused damage to satellites.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Direct international collaboration includes the Co-I from the Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks, and Embry-Riddle Aearonautical Univ. Florida. In addition, data from the project will be used by - and compared to - the international research community.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The project will be located in Antarctica, at the Norwegian Troll Research Station. (72.00°S, 2.53°E geographic coordinates; 62.42°S, 46.70°E geomagnetic coordinates).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: Start 01/2006      Stop: After IPY (Long term meas.)      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The project will be located at the Norwegian Antarctic Troll Station. Apart from this, no significant facilities will be required.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will establish a new national (Norwegian) presence at Antarctica for measurements of the mesosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This application has been sent in parallel to the national IPY committee for endorsement.

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
This proposal is meant to give a kick start for a long term time series of mesospheric temperature measurements in Antarctica. Similar measurements have been carried out at Svalbard for the last 25 years, and the possibility for long term bipolar measurements are intriguing.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will have an independent management structure, managed by the PI and the Co-I's.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The University Centre in Svalbard has always had a research based education, and the data from this project will also be used for educational purposes. As for popular scientific outreach, public talks and popular science articles are planned.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
The project will conform to IPY 2007-2008 data and information management policy.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding is applied for from the Norwegian Research Council.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Dag A Lorentzen
The University Centre on Svalbard (UNIS)
P.O. Box 156
Longyearbyen
N-9171
Norway

Tel: +47 79023336
Mobile:
Fax: +47 79023301
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information