Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Thermal State of Permafrost (TSP): A Contribution from Spain (M. Ramos research group) to an International Network of Permafrost Observatories (I  (TSP – SPAIN (M. Ramos research group))

Outline
The TSP-SPAIN (M. Ramos research group) project is integrated in the IPA project TSP, which will measure temperatures in existing and new boreholes over a fixed time period to provide a “snapshot” of permafrost temperatures in both time and space. There is currently no global database that defines the thermal state of permafrost within a specific time period. Existing temperature measurements were obtained at various depths and periods over five or more decades. We know, however that these temperatures have changed, at variable rates, in different regions. The acquired temperature data set will serve as a baseline assessing the rate of change of near-surface permafrost temperatures and permafrost boundaries, to validate climate model scenarios, and for temperature reanalysis. TSP, a component of the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P), addresses broader concerns related to a warming Earth and the attendant societal issues in its high-latitude and high-mountain regions. The Thermal State of Permafrost (TSP) objectives and plan are to: 1) Obtain a set of standardized temperature measurements in all permafrost regions of Planet Earth (snapshot); 2) Produce a global data set and maps of contemporary permafrost ground temperatures; 3) Increase the number of GTN-P borehole and active layer sites; 4) Provide measurement strategies and protocols; 5) Contribute data to verify models and reanalysis approaches for past, present and future permafrost and active layer temperatures and scenarios; 6) Report initial results at 2008 conferences (including modeling and mapping). The contribution of SPAIN (M. Ramos research group) to TSP will be conducted in the framework of the project “Permafrost and active layer monitoring and modelling in Livingston and Deception islands (Permamodel)” that is now in the process of being submitted for funding for the period 2005-08. Its main objectives are: 1) to make two boreholes to monitor permafrost temperatures, one located in Livingston Island (Hurd Peninsula) and the other in Deception Island; 2) to use climate data for transient modelling of ground temperatures; 3) to use inverse modelling approaches to determine climate signals from ground temperature data; 4) to model permafrost distribution; 5) to compare permafrost modelling results with landforms and active geomorphological processes. The results obtained from the monitoring activities will be submitted to GTN-P.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The acquired permafrost temperatures and related data sets will serve as a “snapshot” for the establishment of a baseline against which to assess future changes in permafrost, to validate climate model scenarios, and provide data for reanalysis of past ground temperature (Themes 1 and 2). Many of these issues will be addressed in future IPCC assessments and TSP results will provide authoritative documentation on existing conditions and changes.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The TSP project is coordinated internationally by the International Permafrost Association (IPA), an organization affiliated to the IUGS and IGU and partner in the Year of Planet Earth. The SCAR Expert Group on Permafrost collaborates also in the Antarctic part of TSP. Spain (M. Ramos research group) will collaborate in this project with Portugal (Univ. Lisbon) and Switzerland (Univ. Zurich).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
TSP involves all permafrost regions of the Earth in which boreholes are available or will be drilled during the IPY, and where associated active layer and climate data exist. TSP-SPAIN (M. Ramos research group) field activities will be conducted in the South Shetlands (Antarctic Peninsula Region) with focus in Livingston and Deception Islands.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 01/06 – 02/06      12/06 – 02/07      12/07 – 02/08

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
New boreholes will be drilled close to the Spanish Antarctic Stations in Livingston and Deception Islands. Drilling equipment will be used and transported by ship from Europe. Helicopter transport may be needed. The equipment will be also used in the framework of ANTPAS project from SCAR Expert Group on Permafrost.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
TSP seeks to establish permanent permafrost borehole observatories on lands that are protected from human disturbances and in conjunction with other environmental research. TSP-SPAIN will leave a legacy of ground temperature monitoring boreholes that will operate in the future and contribute to WMO/FAO/IPA Global Terrestrial Network – Permafrost (GTN-P).

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is to be endorsed by the Spanish IPY Committee. IPA members have been asked to include reference to TSP in their IPY activities. The TSP was approved by the IPA Council in 2003 and is incorporated into activities of the SCAR Expert Group on Permafrost and Periglacial Environments.

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?
New

Active layer temperature measurements in boreholes in Livingston and Deception Islands have been going on since the 1990s in the framework of the research by the group of the University of Alcalá. Existing boreholes are candidate to GTN-P. The TSP-SPAIN contemplates the drilling of new deeper boreholes.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Miguel Ramos (Univ. Alcalá de Henares) is the coordinator of the TSP-SPAIN (M. Ramos research group) project. Team members will participate at IPA-TSP workshops in international meetings in order to coordinate activities at an international level. Several TSP-SPAIN project meetings will be promoted.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
At the national level the actions concerning EOC include tentatively: admission of young researchers and students, organization of conferences for the general public, special sessions in scientific conferences and workshops, disseminate information by the media through regular press-releases with project news and results, and international student exchanges are planned.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
At a national level ground temperature data will be made available at the GIFA-Univ. Alcalá web site. At an international level data will be periodically submitted to GTN-P database.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
A proposal for funding will be submitted in January 2005 to the Spanish Antarctic Programme (National Program I+D+I, 2004-2007).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project builds on 15 years of experience in research on Antarctic active layer and permafrost by the group of the University of Alcalá coordinated by Miguel Ramos. It involves direct collaboration with Portugal and Switzerland. Activities with the group from the University of Lisbon started in 1999 and fill the additional criteria “1. Includes nations not traditionally involved in polar research”. Two existing shallow boreholes in the Antarctic will also provide data for TSP-SPAIN: - Incinerador Point – Livingston Island; - Reina Sofia Hill – Livingston Island.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Ramos Miguel
Depto. Física. Universidad de Alcalá. UAH


E-28871
Spain

Tel: +3418854917
Mobile: no
Fax: +3418854917
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Other project members and their affiliation