Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Temporal and spatial variability of polar/subpolar currents and climatic implications from satellite and hydrographic data  (Variability of polar/subpolar currents)

Outline
There have been extensive oceanographic and meteorological observations in the Labrador, Irminger and Greenland Sea regions, which are major locations of deep convection regulating thermohaline circulation and sequestering carbon dioxide and therefore affecting world’s climate. Recently, the study of ocean and climatic variability in the Arctic Ocean and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) region is also a heated international subject. These observations and studies were conducted under international programs such as many international programs such as the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE), the Labrador Sea Deep Convection Experiment and the Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR). In this proposal the currents and volume transport of the ACC, East/West Greenland Current (E/WGC), the Labrador Current (LC), the Beaufort Gyre (BG) and the Transpolar Drift Stream (TDS) will be calculated and examined using satellite remote sensing, hydrographic and meteorological data. For ACC, E/WGC, and LC, the proposed method is outlined in Han and Tang (1999, 2001), where the geostrophic current and transport can be calculated by combing the altimetry sea level and density at depth, with the sea level being the level of known motion measured by satellite altimetry. We will first assemble multi-mission satellite altimetry data from TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason, ERS1 /2, Geosat and its follow on and Envisat. Various geoid models (EGM96, GGM01, GGM02) will be used to examine the sensitivity of the absolute mean transport to accuracy of geoid. Where possible we will use high-resolution density climatology. Otherwise the monthly Levitus global ocean climatology will be applied. The seasonal transport variability will be investigated, and barotropic and baroclinic components will be evaluated. We will also examine the interannual variability of the surface ACC. For the Labrador Current the interannual variability of the total volume transport will be studied by coming altimetry data with hydrographic data. For BC and TDS, sea surface currents will be inferred from the ice drift data derived from satellite observation and wind-induced drift estimated using reanalysis/satellite meteorological data. We than evaluate the interannual and decadal current variability. The results will be explored in the context of the large-scale oceanic and atmospheric variability, the deep convection, and global thermohaline circulation that are critical to the world’s climate.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will quantify the spatial and temporal variations of the currents and transport of major polar/subpolar flows exclusively based on state-of-the-art satellite altimetry, geoid models, and hydrographic data (Themes 1, 2, 3).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Dr. Zhanhai Zhang, Polar Research Institute of China, China

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Capability of combining the remotely sensd sea surface data with ocean-interior hydrographic data in monitoring and investigating polar/subpolar currents. It will help establish capacity of polar oceanographic applications of satellite remote sensing in the Polar Research Centre of China.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
A proposal idea was submitted and endorsed. But a pre-proposal was not submitted until now. There is an inquiry from Vera Williams about this submission. I apologize for the delay and hope it can still be included.

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 led and managed by the Physical and Biological Oceanography Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre. Scientists in the Polar Oceanographic Science Group of the PRIC will participate in carrying out the project. Mutual short working visits will be arranged for coordination.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Value-added datasets will be provided to national archives and made available to international communities. Interrim results and progress reports will be presented at workshops and meetining. A website will be established.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project will mainly add values to existing datasets. The project will use the established data management, archival and dissemination tools of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre and the Marine Environmental Data Service of Canada.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Polar Research Institute of China can provide in-kind support. Substantial resources for personnel would be requested from Canadian government funding for IPY programs.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Guoki Han
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
80 East White Hills Road
St. John’s, NL
A1C 5X1
Canada

Tel: (709) 772-4326
Mobile: no
Fax: (709) 772-4105
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation