Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Study of the Mesosphere, Stratosphere and Troposphere Antarctica and its links South America.  (MST - ASA)

Outline
The MST – ASA is a study of the Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere using different techniques in the Brazilian Antarctic Station, Chile, Bolivia and Brazil. This co-ordination will be directed toward ground-based experimental campaigns, with Radar, Spectrophotometers, radiometers, ECC sonde technique launched on balloons, to increase understanding of the Antarctic atmosphere and the teleconection to South America. Within the Brazilian Antarctic Programme and with other countries participation, a joint project is proposed to act in the investigation in integrated research lines: 1. Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and future change: What is the contribution of the Antarctic ozone hole to middle latitude ozone changes. 2. Dynamical coupling from troposphere – stratosphere to mesosphere: To understand momentum and energy transport from the lower to upper atmosphere and the influence in the Polar upper atmosphere climates. 3. Effects of gravity, tidal and planetary waves on the Polar atmosphere circulation system and Vortex and on Earth’s climate. 4. Stratosphere-Troposphere Coupling: Detection and attribution of Stratospheric Changes: Are there indicators in the polar stratosphere that portend changes in the troposphere? 5. Comparison and correlation of total ozone detected by ground-base and satellites measurements. 6. Ozone loss and the influence on future UV radiation. The interdisciplinary Solar UV radiation group studies the increasing UV irradiation at ground due to stratospheric ozone depletion and its effects on the atmosphere and biosphere. 7. Atmospheric effects produced by the solar activity characterized from the short term changes of the cosmic ray intensity, electron precipitation events in the low ionosphere and variations of the solar UV irradiation. The specific objectives of this proposal are outlined bellow: a) Monitor the total column and vertical profile of the ozone in Ferraz, Punta Arenas, La Paz and Brazil. b) Monitor the stratospheric and tropospheric ozone, temperature, pressure, humidity and winds by ozone soundings. c) Monitor the mesospheric gravity waves, wind and temperature by meteor radar, airglow imager and airglow spectro-photometer. d) Monitor the temperature of the troposphere, stratosphere and mesosphere at Ferraz for characterization of the planetary waves associated with polar vortex. e) Monitor the minor gases and green houses gases, in Brazilian Antarctic Station (eg.: N2O, O3, CFCs and CH4). f) Integrate simultaneous numerical transport models and back trajectories analysis. g) Monitor the NO2 and SO2 total column. h) Monitor the cosmic ray flux in the region of south Atlantic magnetic anomaly (SAMA) in El Leoncito in Argentine. i) Monitor the low ionosphere by measurements of radio signals of very low frequency propagating across very long distances and received in Antarctic Brazilian Station and in the SAMA region (São Paulo)

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The main goal is to better understanding of the impacts of ozone loss , UV radiation, atmospheric waves and temperature variation in the middle atmosphere, in the King George regions as well as over the South America. Systematic observations of the polar middle atmosphere provide a new knowledge of the current status. The study of the influence of the space weather in the middle atmosphere is important to define how they are correlated.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The ozone and UV radiation studies will be done in collaboration with the Magallanes University (UMAG) in Chile and University of San Andres ( UMSA), Bolivia. The study of the mesosphere (winds, gravity waves and temperatures) will be carried on under collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division, Australia,), The British Antarctic Survey, NERC, Utha State University, EUA, Dr. Mike Taylor, Nagoya University, STELAB, Dr. Kazuo Shiokawa, and National Institute for Polar Research (NIPR), Dr. Masaki Tsitsumi. Space Weather studies will be done in collaboration with CASLEO/IAFE (Argentine) and Lebedev Physical Institute (Russia).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
1. Brazilian Antarctic Station (62°S, 58°W) 2. Australian Antarctic Station Davis (69°S, 78°W) 3. UK Antarctic Station Rothera (68°S, 68°W) 4. Chile – UMAG (53°S, 71°W) 5. Bolivia – UMSA (16°S, 68°W) 6. Brazil – Ozone Laboratory of the INPE have 5 observational site 7. Brazil – Itapetinga Radio Observatory 8. Argentina – El Leoncito 9. Russian Mirny Station - Antarctic

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: Sep/2005 – Nov/2010      Sep/2005 – Nov/2010      Sep/2005 – Nov/2010

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We will use the logistic and facilities provided by: a)SECIRM/PROANTAR in Antarctica, b)UMAG in Chile, c)UMSA in Bolivia d)National Institute for Space Research, INPE, in Brazil ( 5 sites) e)Mackenzie University in Brazil f)CASLEO/IAFE in Argentine

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, if implemented, the new RADAR will stay as a new experiment in Brazilian Antarctic Station.

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

The Brazilian Antarctic Programme is currently funded by National funding agencies (several Ministries), and logistically supported by the Brazilian Navy. Brazil operates a research vessel that serves for both logistics and science.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
We are submitting the project to the National Committee for Antarctic Research (CONAPA) and to the Ministry of Science ad Technology (MCT), Ministry of Environment (MMA).

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?


The project is the improvement of an existing scientific network (REDE 1) of high priority in the scalp of the Brazilian Antarctic Programme. It is addressed to the environmental changes at the Antarctic and sub antarctic region and the teleconnections between Antarctica and the tropical environment.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The selection of proposals, scientific orientation and management of the approved projects are under the responsibility of the Brazilian Antarctic Programme (PROANTAR) that belongs to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT), through the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The complete logistics will be managed by a scientific staff of PROANTAR/SECIRM, together with the Brazilian Navy and by the Brazilian Air Force.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
WebPages and television programmes have been used to reach schools, companies and the general public. National Agencies have provided fellowships to undergraduate and post-graduate students focusing on Antarctic themes. Emphasis on the importance of Antarctica to the economy, health and climate of South America will be presented. Participant institutions are going to collaborate in dissemination the scientific information to the society.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project has started by a compilation of existing data and selection of key areas for field work. More formal international collaboration are being established, and supported by the National Antarctic Committee in order to optimize the exchange of scientific knowledge and data during the IPY.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The Brazilian Antarctic Programme provides funding and logistic support to accepted proposals. Funds will be required from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT), regarding complementary instrumentation for atmospheric studies and ozone sondings.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project will also be involved in the International Heliophysical Year (IHY), since one of the proposed activities is to study the ozone layer and UV impact on South America.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Neusa Paes Leme
National Institute for Space Research ( INPE )
Ozone Laboratory / Space Geophysics Division
Av. Dos Astronautas, 1758 Sao Jose dos Campos
12-227-010
Brazil

Tel: 55-12-3945-6780 / 6047
Mobile: no
Fax: 55-12-3945-6810
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation