Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Basal melt rates of the Fimbul Ice Shelf, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica  (FIMBUL)

Outline
Recent modeling experiments of the Southern Ocean circulation show that melt-water from ice shelves play an important role in large-scale processes such as dense water formation on shelves, sea ice formation and open ocean convection. Due to its exposed position overhanging the continental slope, melt water fluxes from Fimbulisen, or the Fimbul Ice Shelf (FIS), plays an important role in the large scale Weddell Sea ocean processes. Despite its relatively small size, recent estimates suggests that the FIS has the highest melt water flux and largest total basal mass loss of all the ice shelves around Antarctica. However, these melt rates has been estimated from large scale models without any knowledge of sub-ice shelf topography, and these important results need to be verified by observational estimates of the FIS melt rates. FIMBUL is a combined oceanographic and glaciological effort to determine the basal melt rates of the Fimbul Ice Shelf. Oceanographic observations includes CTD and mooring deployments through hot water drilled access holes, and we will also use acoustic methods to measure hydrography and currents beneath the ice shelf. The glaciological field work will include measurements of ice flow, surface accumulation, ice thickness and thickness changes with the aim to determine the basal melt rates. Basal melt rates will also be estimated by the use of remote sensing. FIMBUL includes an oceanographic and glaciological modelling part. The oceanographic modelling will focus on the sub-ice shelf circulation and the exchange with the open ocean. This will give insight into the processes responsible for the high melt rates of the FIS. The glaciological modelling will explore the dynamics of the FIS, and investigate if this is sensitive to changing oceanic conditions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 1: The results of FIMBUL will be highly important in order to quantify the fresh water input, and understand the present state of the Weddell Sea. Theme 2: Understanding the processes responsible for basal melting of the FIS is important for the understanding of how the Weddell Ocean circulation may be affected by climate change and how the stability of the FIS will be affected by this. Theme 4: FIMBUL will make observations beneath the central FIS and of the exchange with the open ocean. This will be the first observations ever in this important region.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
FIMBUL is a cooperation between scientists at NPI, Norway; BCCR, Norway; NERSC, Norway; BAS, UK; CIMS, USA; DUT, Germany; and JPL, USA. In addition we believe FIMBUL will fit nicely in as a part of the Synoptic Antarctic Shelf-Slope Interactions Study (SASSI), which is an IPY project from iAnZone

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The field work will be on the Fimbul Ice Shelf, Dronning Maud Land Antarctica. Between 69.6S to 71.5S, and 5E to 3W.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/07 – 02/08 Mooring deployment. Glaciological melt stations.      11/08 – 02/09 Glaciological melt stations.      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
During field work on the FIS we will need Helicopters, Snow terrain vehicles, Fuel Depots. For transport to Antarctic

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes. Norway has a long tradition in glaciological and oceanographic work on the FIS and surroundings, and this work has been given high priority in the Norwegian Antarctic Programme.

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

FIMBUL is a new project but will also fit nicely in as a component of the iAnZone IPY project.

How will the project be organised and managed?
FIMBUL will be coordinated by the Norwegian Polar Institute. We will not need a project steering committee as FIMBUL is not that big. There will be a project leader at the Norwegian Polar Institute and regular meetings and close cooperation between the different partners.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We plan for master and PhD students to participate and complete their education within the project. A FIMBUL web site will be created.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The precise database is not yet decided. We would like to be a part of SASSI and share their data management routines

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Each partner will seek funds from their respective national programmes.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Ole Anders Nost
Norwegian Polar Institute
Polar Environmental Centre
Tromso
9296
Norway

Tel: +4777750513
Mobile: +4797184771
Fax: +4777750501
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation