Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

SuperDARN measurements of upper atmospheric circulation  (SuperDARN)

Outline
IPY 2007-8 calls for an intensive burst of internationally coordinated, interdisciplinary, scientific research and observations focused on the Earth’s polar regions. These regions form a key component in the weather systems of the Earth’s upper atmosphere and near-earth space environment, as beautifully exemplified by the aurora. The state of the art for measurements of space weather circulation patterns is the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), a consortium of 9 nations operating 16 identical radars over the Arctic and Antarctica. This Expression of Intent outlines and affirms the commitment of the SuperDARN community to contribute to the IPY and its research themes in the following ways: 1. Status. We will continue and enhance measurements of space weather patterns through proposals to build and operate 5 new radars in Antarctica and 3 new radars in the Arctic, and improved access to synoptic maps of upper atmospheric winds, tides and boundaries. 2. Change. We will quantify and understand changes in upper atmospheric circulation induced by solar variability, using measurements in both polar regions over the last solar cycle. 3. Global linkages. We will advance understanding of the linkages of the polar upper atmosphere to the global environment by a. extending SuperDARN to mid-latitudes b. developing new analysis techniques to measure winds at lower altitudes in the mesosphere c. coordinating observations with those made in space, e.g., by the NASA Themis multi-spacecraft mission in 2007-8 (part of the International Living With A Star programme) 4. New frontiers. We will investigate new frontiers of space and atmospheric science including: a. the effect of solar variability on the upper atmosphere b. multi-scale complexity of upper atmospheric convection c. planetary waves and tides d. the role of convection and waves in particle acceleration and loss in the Earth’s radiation belts 5. Vantage point. We will exploit the unique vantage points and symmetries of BOTH polar regions. Echoing the influence of the IGY on global space science research, we anticipate the proposed IPY activity to provide a legacy of improved visibility, accessibility, and usability of enhanced SuperDARN data for the entire Earth-system science community to address Earth-system research, including bi-polar and ground-space studies, and new cross-disciplinary research such as teleconnections between the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Polar-global linkages and Legacy – Comprehensive coverage of upper atmospheric circulation in both polar regions and extension to mid-latitudes and lower altitudes. Change – Effects of solar variability on the thermosphere and mesosphere from the poles to mid-latitudes and coupling with the lower atmosphere. New Frontiers · Measurement and understanding of the non-linear, multi-scale character of upper atmospheric convection and its effect on prediction. · Unique observations of planetary waves using nearly circumpolar radar coverage of mesospheric winds. · Remote sensing of convection and waves in Earth’s radiation belts and their effect on charged particles that damage spacecraft and modify lower atmospheric chemistry. q1_7_collab : SuperDARN is an international consortium of scientists from 9 countries, all of whom support this proposal. Its further development and future operations depend on the continuation of this collaboration and expansion to other nations (e.g., China). SuperDARN collaborates with other ground-based facilities in Antarctica, North America, and Scandinavia, and with ESA and NASA spacecraft missions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
SuperDARN is an international consortium of scientists from 9 countries, all of whom support this proposal. Its further development and future operations depend on the continuation of this collaboration and expansion to other nations (e.g., China).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
SuperDARN radars are located at (see http://superdarn.jhuapl.edu/sites/index.html): · King Salmon and Kodiak in Alaska · Goose Bay, Kapuskasing, Prince George and Saskatoon in Canada · Pykkvibaer and Stokkseyri in Iceland · Hankasalmi in Finland · Kerguelen Island in the Indian Ocean · Tasmania in Australia · Invercargill in New Zealand · Halley, Sanae, Syowa (x2) in Antarctica

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: New radars at Inuvik and Rankin Inlet 04/2005 – 09/2006      The 16 existing SuperDARN radars are typically maintained annually in the summer season.      
Antarctic: New radars at Dome-C, Halley, and South Pole 12/2005 – 03/2007            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Transportation of people and materials for maintenance and new construction. On-site accommodation. Antarctic radars use existing national bases and share logistics within national operator programmes.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Enhanced radar network (increasing from 16 to about 26) Improved data access tools (e.g., using Grid technology)

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

Logistics for each Antarctic radar are provided through the respective national operator.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No.

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?
Exp

see section 1.7.

How will the project be organised and managed?
SuperDARN is an existing international programme with an established management structure. This includes a formal signed agreement (see http://superdarn.jhuapl.edu/pi/index.html), an executive committee, and 4 working groups. The SuperDARN community share radar design, analysis software, and data management.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education, outreach and communication will be delivered through: · Websites (see http://superdarn.jhuapl.edu/) · Student training (up until 2003, ~55 new PhDs and ~25 post-docs have been trained through SuperDARN) · Schools outreach programmes · Public lectures · Press releases

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
SuperDARN data is replicated, distributed and archived amongst all members of the SuperDARN community. Key summary data and real-time convection maps are made freely available to all on the web (e.g., http://superdarn.jhuapl.edu/realtime.html).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Primarily through national funding agencies. Some radars are funded by international consortia.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This proposal has links to the following IPY pre-proposals: · Arctic Research in Canada (G. Sofko) · ICESTAR (K. Kauristie) · Interhemispheric Study on Auroral Phenomena (A. Kadokura)

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Mervyn Freeman
British Antarctic Survey
High Cross, Madingley Road
Cambridge
CB3 0ET
UK

Tel: +44-(0)1223-221543
Mobile: no
Fax: +44-(0)1223-221226
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation