Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Assessing, understanding, and conveying the state of the Arctic sea ice cover  (The state of the Arctic sea ice cover)

Outline
Recent studies indicate that the Arctic sea ice cover is undergoing significant climate-induced changes, resulting in a reduction in ice extent and also a net thinning of the sea ice cover. Changes (including oscillations) in atmospheric circulation and the thermohaline properties of the upper ocean have also been observed. These changes impact not only the Arctic, but the global climate system and are likely accelerated by such processes as the ice-albedo feedback. It is important to continue and expand long-term observations of these changes to improve the fundamental understanding of the role of the sea ice cover in the global climate system and its utility as a climate change indicator. This is a formidable task that spans a range of temporal and spatial scales. There are numerous tools that can be brought to bear on this task, including satellite remote sensing, autonomous buoys, ocean moorings, field campaigns and numerical models. For maximum science benefit, an integrated, coordinated, and interdisciplinary approach will be used to monitor the state of the Arctic sea ice cover and investigate its governing processes. Satellite remote sensing provides large-scale snapshots of such basic parameters as ice distribution, melt zone, and cloud fraction at intervals of half a day to a week. But satellite remote sensing has limitations, and it requires validation from in situ or other measurements. Buoys and moorings will contribute high temporal resolution and can measure parameters currently unavailable from space including ice thickness, internal ice temperature, and ocean temperature and salinity. Field campaigns will be used to explore, in detail, the state of the ice cover and the processes that govern the ice cover. Numerical models will be used to assess the character of the changes in the ice cover and predict their impacts on the rest of the climate system. The synthesis of these observations and models will provide a more comprehensive picture of change in the Arctic. An International Polar Year is an extraordinary opportunity to capture the imagination of the general public and school children. This opportunity will be used to convey not only information about the role that the polar regions play in global climate, but also an understanding and an appreciation of science in general. Because of this, we propose an extensive educational outreach component that will include media contacts, web sites, classroom programs, public lectures, and the participation of undergraduate and graduate students.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project will advance the IPY themes of detecting Arctic change, understanding polar processes, attracting the next generation of researchers, and capturing the interest of the public. The project will provide an assessment of the current state of the Arctic sea ice cover and an infrastructure for future assessments. Observations and models will be used to investigate ice-ocean-atmosphere processes and interactions. The public will be informed about the polar regions, and about science in general, through an extensive educational outreach component including web sites, classroom programs, public lectures, mass media, and the participation of undergraduate and graduate students.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration is expected in all aspects of this project. For example, autonomous buoy deployment will be coordinated throught the International Arctic Buoy Program. An international approach will be taken in the acquisition and interpretation of satellite observations. Field campaigns will be integrated with other IPY Arctic Ocean efforts.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The field work will be conducted at several locations within the Arctic Basin. We would like sites in both the multiyear ice pack and the marginal ice zone, although we are flexible regarding exact locations and will coordinate the field work with other IPY Arctic Ocean activities.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Assorted times during 03/07 – 10/08            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Icebreakers, field camps, autonomous atmosphere-ice-ocean buoys, and satellite data will be required for this project. The required resources can be shared with other IPY projects to mutual benefit.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The legacy of this project will include: a network of autonomous buoys covering much of the Arctic Basin; a comprehensive integrated dataset on the state of the Arctic sea ice cover; enhanced interpretation of satellite observations; and improved large-scale sea ice models.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes, This expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the US National Committee for IPY.

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

This project is an expansion and integration of ongoing observational activities with new initiatives. The satellite component will utilize the existent satellite complement and will not involve new satellite initiatives.

How will the project be organised and managed?
There will be a steering committee to effectively manage and coordinate the project. This committee will consist of key project investigators, colleagues from other disciplines, experts from other IPY activities, and stakeholders. This committee will provide overall project guidance, formulate measurement strategies, and develop international collaboration. Much of the work will be done in small groups led by a principal investigator.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
An extensive educational outreach component will include media contacts, web sites, classroom programs, public lectures, and the participation of undergraduate and graduate students. Creative use of improved communication and internet access, including web chats, will bring an unprecedented sense of immediacy from the field to the public.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All data and metadata from the project will be analyzed, archived, and submitted to established data archives such as the Arctic Data Coordination Center (ADCC) and the National Snow and Ice Data Center.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded through a combination of ongoing research grants and the submission of additional new proposals to national funding agencies.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr. Don Perovich
Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
72 Lyme Road
Hanover, NH
03755
USA

Tel: 603-646-4255
Mobile: no
Fax: 603-646-4644
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation