Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Operational High Resolution Modelling and Multi Modelling in Support of Meteorological, Climatological and General Research in Polar Regions.  (Polar Operational and Climatological Modelling.)

Outline
Polar scientific activities need more and more meteorological support, not only for operations, but also for the necessary background and interdisciplinary knowledge. Under this respect, operational meteorological support is generally available from global or limited area models at relatively low spatial and temporal resolution, while HR research models are only set up for time limited field phases or run for specific case studies. Therefore, there is a lack of knowledge of detailed surface and low tropospheric circulation at the meso- and local scale, especially regarding important aspects of polar weather as katabatic flow, barrier winds, precipitation, while operational forecasting requirements are growing. Aim of the project is the set up of a complete operational chain, assimilating standard and not standard observations, and producing regularly operational analysis and forecasting at very high spatial (3 km or less) and temporal resolution, using a nesting of global and limited area (hydrostatic and non hydrostatic) models with specific treatment of coupled processes as, for example, polynya formation, and a validation process based on operational and special observations. Results, in form of real time graphics and data in GRIB format, shall be accessible by the interested scientific and logistic community in quasi real time, while validated outputs should be available in the shortest possible time and not later than a year after. Operational assimilation of the observations being an essential part of the project, specific actions will be carried out for the calibration and operational verification of observational instruments and for the assimilation of non conventional data from operational and research new instrumentation, especially ground and space based remote sensing. The finer knowledge gained through operational analysis and forecasting and the related validation process could support climatological studies which shall also be carried out in order to investigate local modifications and possible teleconnections. At the same time preliminary results shall be used for specific training of operational forecasters.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Operational model runs for high resolution real time weather analysis and forecasting in support to operations and research. Assimilation of non standard observational data and real time verification. Model validation through operational and special observations. Specific investigation of local polar phenomena as katabatic and barrier winds, and polynya. Improving atmospheric observations (especially soundings and remote sensing) and calibration procedures. Improving regional and local climatological knowledge. Climatological investigation through numerical simulations.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Cooperation with Antarctic Climate and Atmospheric Circulation (AC Squared), IPY Proposal No 180 - David Bromwich. Cooperation with LGGE (F). Coordination proposed in the framework of THORPEX IPY, IPY Proposal No 121 – Thor Erik Nordeng (integration in the Antarctic).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Mainly East Antarctica (South Pole to Adelie and Victoria Land and Ross Sea). Extension to Svalbards in the Arctic

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/07 – 04/08            
Antarctic: 03/07 – 12/08      09/06 – 02/07      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
PNRA logistic at M. Zucchelli Base (Terra Nova Bay) and Dome C. Polar Ships, Aircrafts, Helicopters, Satellites, Observatories, Field Stations, Special sounding, remote sensing instrumentation. Operational infrastructure of Italian Meteorological Service at the National Weather Centre (CNMCA). Linux cluster for operational model runs. Dirigibile Italia Station - Ny Alesund (Svalbard).

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Operational modelling set up. Special instrumentation. Observational and Climatological data base.

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

Special funding pending at national level

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Coordination established with Proposal AC Squared No 180. Coordination proposed to Proposal No 121 THORPEX IPY. Contacts established with LGGE (F). Pending for funding at National Commission.

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

New project for an operational modelling set up in the framework of existing polar activities and international cooperation.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Organization by Italian Meteorological Service and PNRA. Management by PNRA, using existing organizational structure and infrastructures. Italian Meteorological Service for operational production using specific arrangements to be integrated in the operational infrastructure of the National Weather Centre (CNMCA). International coordination with IPY Proposals AC squared and THORPEX IPY.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and Communication planned via already existing: - PNRA permanent Antarctic Expositions - CNMCA agreement to National TV/Radio Broadcasting Corporation (RAI) - PNRA and Italian Meteorological Service web sites

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Real time ftp availability to registered users of: - operational model outputs (graphic and GRIB formats) - operational observations for research and operational purposes. Validated data available in 12 months to the same and other users for research.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
A proposal for IPY special funding is pending at National level. Only limited activity possible with regular funds.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Formal endorsement by IPO will improve chance of national special funding to be approved. Project has been developed also as integration of THORPEX IPY for the Antarctic.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Giuseppe Frustaci
Italian Meteorological Service – National Weather Centre (CNMCA)
Aeroporto M. De Bernardi
Via di Pratica di Mare 45
I-00040
Italy

Tel: +39 06 9129 3209
Mobile: +39 329 360 3999
Fax: +39 06 9129 3490
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation