Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Seafloor Mapping of the Chukchi Cap HEALY 07-03  

Outline
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides an opportunity for coastal nations to extend their sovereignty and environmental protection over the seafloor and subsurface beyond the present limit of 200 nautical miles, if the continental margin of the nation has certain shape characteristics. In order to gain this extended sovereignty, the nation must map the seafloor and demonstrate to a United Nations commission the how the seafloor in the region meets the specified requirements. In 2001, Congress requested the University of New Hampshire to evaluate U.S. continental margin data and identify where the U.S. may have the opportunity to extend its sovereignty under the Law of the Sea Treaty. A number of areas were identified but the region where the largest gain is possible (and where the least data is available) is on the northern Chukchi Cap. HEALY 07-03 is the third in a series of cruises designed to map the seafloor on the northern Chukchi Cap Cap in order to explore this poorly known region and better understand its morphology and its potential for an extended continental shelf under UNCLOS. The mutlibeam echo sounder on board the HEALY is the primary tool that is used (an echo sounder that is capable of making many depth measurements at once over a “swath” of the seafloor). The primary targets for the mapping are the delineation of the 2500 m (about 8,250 foot) depth contour and the “foot” of the continental slope – the area where the continental margin transitions into the deep sea floor (usually at about 13,200 to 16,500 foot depth). In addition to its usefulness for Law of the Sea, the seafloor mapping data we collect is also valuable for better understanding seafloor processes, fisheries habitat, and as input into climate and circulation models that will help us predict future conditions in the Arctic. Two ancillary programs will also be conducted on HEALY 07-03. Representatives of the National Ice Center will deploy several Metocean ice-beacons/buoys at stations of opportunity during the course of the cruise in order to collect information on long-term ice drift. These buoys will be deployed on multiyear (MYI) sea ice, in the marginal ice zone, or in open water, depending on available opportunities and sea ice conditions encountered. A pre-cruise nowcast analysis of sea ice conditions in the Chukchi Plateau region will be provided by the NIC to the Chief Scientist to guide in the selection of the initial cruise track (Figure 1). Buoy deployments will be done in coordination with the cruise Chief Scientist on a non-interference basis so as not to impact mapping activities. Typical deployments on MYI take 30-45 minutes of on-the-ice time. In addition to on board sea ice analysis and imagery support, the NIC personnel will collect routine observations of sea ice characteristic as the Healy navigates ice-covered waters. Recorded observations will include ice thickness and snow depth during icebreaking operations in the ice pack. The second ancillary program will involve the recovery, refurbishment and redeployment of two high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPS). These instruments have been recording background acoustic noise in the region for the past year. During the initial transit north from Barrow – with ice conditions permitting – two seafloor high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) will be recovered by acoustically releasing an anchor weight. After recovery, both instruments will be refurbished and prepped for redeployment. On the southward transit back to Barrow, each package will be deployed. Additionally the HARP team is interested in collecting vertical sound speed profiles and obtaining biological recordings while underway. Depending on ice conditions and ship operations, a contingent of expendable XBTs and 57D Sonobuoys can be deployed, and will transmit acoustic data real-time through FM radio signals to an antenna positioned on the Healy. In addition, a two-channel (high/low freq.) drop hydrophone array can be deployed whenever marine mammals (e.g. whales, seals, walrus) are visually sighted. The array operation will depend on whether the Healy is transiting or stationary, in addition to ice thickness conditions around the ship’s hull.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Better understanding of the geospatial context of ocean circulation in the Arctic through improved bathymetry. Direct mapping of impact on ice on the seafloor and the presence or absence of features related to seafloor processes (ridges, pock marks, current scour, etc.) Ancillary programs will monitor ice thickness and drift and ambient noise levels in the Arctic Ocean.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Previous expeditions have involved Danish and Swedish researchers but none this year.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Between 77 and 80 deg N, 150 and 170 deg W

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 08/07 – 09/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Self-sufficient aboard USCG HEALY.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
All data bathymetric data collected is processed and made publicly available through both UNH websites and through submission to the U.S. National Geophysical Data Center in Boulder for long-term archive and distribution.

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

Supported through NOAA, NSF and USCG

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Part of NOAA’s IPY efforts

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

Part of a long-term program to map areas around the U.S. EEZ

How will the project be organised and managed?
Project organized and managed through the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, University of New Hampshire, coordinated with NOAA and NSF.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We will have an outreach website updated daily. A high-school teacher from the ARMADA program at URI will also participate in our leg and provide daily content to the website.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
We have a full-time data manager aboard the vessel who will be responsible for real-time data management and generation of metadata. Upon return all data and reports are placed on a publicly accessible web-site http://ccom.unh.edu/index.php?p=39|46&page=law_of_the_sea.php and send to NGDC for permanent archive and distribution.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Project already funded – NOAA/Congressional funding

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor Larry Mayer
Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/NOAA-UNH Joint Hydrographic Center
University of New Hampshire, 24 Colovos Rd.
Durham N.H.
03824
USA

Tel: +1 603 862-2615
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation