Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Looking for signs of Climate change in annual growth rings of Northern Willow. (Salix glauca) in Southern Greenland.  (Dendrochronology in Greenland)

Outline
We are hoping to show that climate change is happening .The project started when a group of students from Queen Elizabeth II High School went to South Greenland in the summer of 2006. We collected specimens of Northern Willow (Salix glauca) with a view to investigate the growth of the annual rings. The idea was prompted by a willow sample collected in 1999 in the same area which was 200 years old. As far as can be determined the species has not been used in any previous studies. We would like to see if there is any relationship between the tree ring data and climate records. We are hoping there will be some overlap of ring data between different age specimens, particularly dead ones. The project in 2006 gave us an opportunity to set up protocols for further study and as a result more specimens were collected in the summer of 2007. Further specimens are to be collected in summer 2008 further North on West coast of Greenland. These will provide more data. A bonus outcome would be to find out how efficient the climate is at preserving the seasoned wood: it may be possible to determine for how long it will last before decaying. It would also be useful to find out how much shrinkage occurs as the wood dries and seasons. Growth rates of living and seasoned material could then be compared. This would then give a record of seasonal growth for many decades, possible several hundred years from pocket sized samples. The project will provide more information with which to confirm long term trends of local climate. This will hopefully raise issues on climate change : whether it will be advantageous or disadvantageous to an area. We found an article by Dr. Keith Briffa from the University of East Anglia on Trees as indicators of climate change. He explained the science of dendroclimatology- the study of the relationships between climate and tree-growth parameters and their use in the reconstruction of past climates. We learned that every ring in every tree around the world provides a record of the climate in the year that it was formed. If temperatures fall, tree rings become narrower and denser. We also looked at similar projects that were being undertaken at the time including an Earthwatch Project in Churchill, Canada. We couldn’t find any research projects in Greenland.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
We decided to collect specimens of Northern Willow to investigate the growth of the annual rings. We arehoping to relate the rates of growth to climate change. Global warming ; the ice cap melting are all big news and it was an Article by Dr.Briffa on Trees as indicators of climate change that gave us the idea for the project. 2006 samples have been analysed, protocols set up, scientific report written. As far as we are aware no dendrochronological research is being done in Greenland and hopefully any results from out project will be useful.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We undertaking the study ourselves

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Southern Greenland- Narsarsuaq, Narsaq, Qaqortoq areas West Greenland – Maniitsoq Area

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 7/06 –8/06      7/07 –8/07      7/08– 8/08
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We are self –supporting. Hiring kayaks, ferry and travelling on foot to sample sites Use of GPS

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
no

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Kayaks to be hired from Commercial Operator. Plans vetted by Young Explorers’ trust. Grant Aid from Scott Polar Research – Gino Watkins Foundation.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Isle of Man Department of Education,Young Explorers’Trust, Scott Polar Research Institute.

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?
No

Project component of Queen Elizabeth II Expedition to Greenland 2006, 2008. Youngsters involved in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and John Muir trust Environmental Projects.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The students will collect samples during their 20 - 24 day journey by foot and kayak around the areas of Greenland (done in 2006, 2007) ,to do 2008. We have set up strict protocols on collection, selection and storage of samples. The samples will be analysed and measured back in Isle of Man. The 2006 samples have already been analysed and a report has been written. 2007 are being analysed at this moment in time. All measurement data recorded in XL.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Results from 3 year project will be sent to Young Explorers’ Trust, Royal Geographical Society, Scott Polar Research Institute. Students will give presentations at school and on Isle of Man. Reports will be put on Queen Elizabeth II High School website.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data Management – Be put on School website or sent to anybody who wants it.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The students and voluntary leaders are paying their own costs. We have had grant aid from Gino Watkins Memorial Fund for 2006 Expedition. We have applied for grant aid for 2008. The project has been put forward to the Volvo Young Environmentalist Award 2008.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
We are hoping that the results of our 3 year study will be of some benefit and may be included in the reports for The International Polar Year. It is great youngsters are involved in the project. They have already seen for themselves that Greenland is experiencing a positive climate effect as crops now grow that were impossible a few years ago. Whilst in Greenland the students also helped make a Forrest trail the very first Arboretum. Many of the introduced trees ‘should not’ be flourishing in that area. We also discovered that one of the locals is producing Greenland honey.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mrs Lesley Sleight
Queen Elizabeth II High School
Douglas Road, Peel
Isle of Man
IM5 1RD
Isle of Man

Tel: 01624 841000
Mobile: no
Fax: 01624 841001
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation