Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Northern Treeline Carbon Exchange Transect  (NoTCET)

Outline
The northern treeline is one of the largest ecogeographic boundaries in the arctic zone, extending some 3000 km across North America. It separates closed-crown boreal forest from the treeless tundra via a transitional zone called taiga. Previous research has shown that this zone is sensitive to climate change manifested as shifts in treeline and feeds back on the regional climate features such as the location of the arctic front. Large variations in energy, water and carbon flows between the surface and atmosphere occur across this zone. Furthermore, vegetation modelling studies predict the northward movement of most of Canada’s boreal and taiga zones as climate warms over the next century. Detailed process studies are required in these important ecozones to understand how the terrestrial arctic will respond to changes in climate and feed back on climate through altered water, energy, and carbon flows. Few studies of this type have been conducted previously in the Canadian arctic. We propose to establish a transect of flux stations across the northern treeline in arctic Canada for the express purpose of simultaneous investigations of the variation in surface-atmosphere exchange processes as they are affected by vegetation, soils and local climate. A minimum of three stations is proposed: one in treeless tundra; one in the taiga (forest-tundra transition) zone and one in the subarctic boreal forest. This project will contribute to and be modelled on the Fluxnet Canada Network in southern boreal Canada. The transect would most likely be located in western Canada. Each flux station would represent a locus for measuring energy, water and carbon exchange processes and their biotic and abiotic controls. The focal point of each flux station would be an eddy covariance flux tower for measuring ecosystem-atmosphere fluxes along with associated meteorological and soil climate variables. The flux tower measurements would be supported by a range of studies at the soil, leaf and ecosystem level. The main scientific objectives would be to determine the magnitude and variability of carbon exchange in each ecozone and to assess its sensitivity to climate. We will employ a multidisciplinary approach, where the research team encompasses atmospheric science, ecology, ecophysiology and soil science. This will help improve both our current and future assessments of the role northern lands has in the global C budget

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This research will contribute mainly to IPY Theme 1, by assessing the state of carbon cycling in the Canadian arctic and subarctic and its sensitivity to climate change. It will also contribute to Theme 2 in that we will investigate past carbon accumulation and eventually make predictions relating to future carbon cycling.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
No specific arrangements have been made yet, but we are aware of related activities in Alaska and arctic Eurasia. Ultimately some collaboration between terrestrial carbon cycle scientists will be needed to bring together an integrated picture of the arctic terrestrial carbon cycle. Lafleur and Flanagan have previously contributed to international FLUXNET activities and expect future international collaboration.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Western Canada: Nunavut, Northwest Territory and/or Yukon Territory

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/06 – 09/08            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Flux stations will require significant investment in infrastructure and scientific equipment and in the cases where it is not located near a community living facilities will be required. We would welcome sharing such facilities for mutual economic and scientific benefits.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, it is our hope that these flux stations will continue operations beyond the IPY and that they become the foci for additional long-term research in Canada’s arctic.

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

Certain territorial government agencies may be interested in these sites and can be approached as potential partners.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not yet, but we are communicating this LoI to the Canadian IPY Secretariat. This project is a natural extension of, and has received endorsement from the Science Committee of the Fluxnet Canada Research Network.

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

While it is likely that we will use an existing field station at Daring Lake, NWT as one of the nodes in the treeline transect, the two remaining flux stations and the scientific objectives are unique to this newly proposed project. This project will contribute to, and be modelled on the Fluxnet Canada Network in southern boreal Canada.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The investigating scientists will manage this research as a ‘self-managed’ project, with the principal investigator acting as the primary manager. Protocols for measurement and data management will follow the Fluxnet Canada guidelines.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We hope to use local first nations people in the field research where possible and will communicate the project objectives, progress and findings at local events in the near-by communities, such as workshops and conferences on the arctic environment organized by the communities and Territorial government agencies

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The research team has a wealth of experience at data management (e.g., Lafleur & Flanagan in BOREAS, Ameriflux and Fluxnet Canada & Henry in ITEX/CANTTEX). Data will be archived according to the standards of previous projects and communication will be primarily through the scientific literature, scientific meetings, and local outreach.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We will apply to National IPY opportunities for the necessary funds

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Peter Lafleur
Trent University
1600 Westbank Dr.
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 7B8
Canada

Tel: 705-878-1011 x 1487
Mobile: no
Fax: 705-748-1205
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation