Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

ANtarctic Studies of the Western Ross Sea  (ANSWRS)

Outline
The objectives of this proposal are to address priority research needs in the Western Ross Sea, Antarctica, which require or are greatly facilitated by use of currently available autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). These research goals are in harmony with those proposed by the UN Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), including specifically the Biology Working Group and program for International Bathymetric Charting of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO). Three research goals of graduated technical difficulty are proposed: 1) research on recently discovered underwater volcanic vents in shallow water (200m) near Franklin Island, including characterization of marine geological, chemical and biological communities associated with these features; 2) research to study the submarine profile of rifts in the western Ross Ice Shelf, specifically the nascent iceberg (aka Discovery rift), which is in contact at one end with the open ocean, and requires minimal exploration under the ice shelf, which can be extended as operational confidence with the AUV is established. This work would focus on acoustic mapping of the rift on the bottom surface of the Ice Shelf; and, 3) extensive exploration underneath the Ross Ice Shelf to near the grounding line. This work could make use of proposed boreholes near the grounding line which could be used for navigational beacon deployment, and potential AUV docking and battery recharge capabilities. There are three subgoals: 3.1) acoustic profiling of the bottom surface of the Ross Ice Shelf, focusing on rift zones and areas of irregularity; 3.2) multibeam or other acoustic mapping of bottom bathymetry,including iceberg scours; and, 3.3) videography of benthic life/communities.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The discovery and exploration of underwater volcanic hot vents in the Western Ross Sea represents one of the most extreme environments on the planet. Exploration of these features integrates studies in marine geology, chemistry and biology. The environment beneath the Ross Ice Shelf is one of the last major environments on the planet which remains unexplored, and is key to understanding both the past history and current stability of the Ross Ice Shelf.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration partners include the SCAR IPY Biology Working Group, International Bathymetric Charting of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) program, and Alfred Wegener Institute Autonomous Underwater Vehicle program.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Western Ross Sea near Franklin Island, and under western end of Ross Ice Shelf

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: Antarctic 2007-2009 01/2007, 01/2008, 01/2009            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The smaller AUV (FETCH) can be deployed by a single individual through ice leads, but should be helicoptered to site. The larger AUVs can likewise be deployed from land/ice, but ship deployment would be preferred.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will not leave a legacy of infrastructure other than bathymetric charts; however it would complement a benthic observatory if one is ultimately installed.

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

A proposal to NSF OPP will be submitted.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
ThThe SCAR Biology Working Group approved Antarctic submarine volcanic vent research to be adopted at their Sept. 2005 WG meeting. The AUV component of IBCSO was endorsed at the 2004 SCAR meeting. Expression of intent is in the process of being considered by the U.S. 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?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed out of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Marine Physical Laboratory, with sub-contracts to Oregon State University and University of Miami/RSMAS. The program will coordinate with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution AUV program, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) AUV program. The program will partner with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) AUV program employing a similar AUV, and with the British Antarctic Survey AUTOSUB-2 AUV program.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Educational outreach will be coordinated with: thEducational outreach will be coordinated with: the new SCAR IPY education committee; British Antarctic Survey educational outreach program, including plans for BBC and Discovery Channel TV specials; and, NSF OPP education outreach programs (eg TREK). A topic-related short-course for IPY will also be considered, see: http://bprc.mps.ohiostate.edu/~svogel/IPY/IPY-index.php.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Video data will be archived using MBARI video-annotation and archive software; under-ice and bathymetric profiling data will be archived with IBCSO coordinated at AWI. All data will be archived at Scripps in the Arctic and Antarctic Research Center and in conjunction with NSF OPP.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
A proposal will be submitted to the National Science Foundation for basic research; additional sources of funds will be sought for educational outreach in conjunction with SCAR IPY educational outreach funding mechanisms.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The proposal is to be achieved step-wise, adding capabilities as confidence with AUV deployments in the Ross Sea increases, and will be flexible in terms of use of logistics capabilities which are available.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Gerald Spain
Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
University of California, 9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, Ca
92093-0704
USA

Tel: 858-534-5517
Mobile: N/A
Fax: 858-534-5255
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation