Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Polar Pelagic Microbes: their ecology and biogeochemical role  (POLEMIC)

Outline
The flow of energy and material through polar marine ecosystems is substantially influenced by the combined activities of pelagic micro-organisms (viruses, phytoplankton, bacterioplankton and protozooplankton) which are, in turn, influenced by complex interactions with a range of controlling factors including ultraviolet-B radiation, temperature and nutrients. However, current understanding of interactions within polar pelagic microbial communities, and between these communities and their environment, is rudimentary. In particular, spatially and temporally resolved data sets are rare and physiological responses to environmental parameters (which can be non-linear and sub-optimal) are poorly understood. The ability to realistically model and accurately predict changes in biogeochemical cycles in response to a climate change therefore requires an enhanced understanding of microbial processes in polar waters. This is particularly relevant for the Arctic where rapid warming, leading to major changes in marine primary production and terrestrially derived carbon inputs, are predicted. The proposed research will advance understanding of microbial processes, and their biogeochemical consequences, in polar waters and sea-ice. This will be achieved via studies conduced in Arctic using logistics provided by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). Further collaborators will be sought to enhance both the scientific and geographical scope of the study (e.g. to include the Antarctic). The specific research objectives are: 1. To generate spatial and temporal resolved data on key microbially mediated biogeochemical pools and fluxes, with particular emphasis on (a) the variation in carbon flux due to changes in the balance of photosynthesis and respiration, (b) the dynamics of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, (c) the dynamics of dimethylsulphide and its precursors. 2. To investigate interactions within microbial communities, specifically focusing on (a) in situ gene expression of key bacterial activities associated with algal-bacterial interactions (e.g. nitrogen metabolism, bacterial photosynthesis; iron-chelating siderophore production), (b) competition and coupling between phytoplankton and bacterioplankton in relation to nutrient dynamics and the structure of microbial communities and (c) trophic interactions. 3. To investigate multiple interactions between pelagic microbial communities and a range of key controlling factors including light (ultraviolet-B-radiation and other wavelengths), temperature and nutrients. 4. To explore processes driving patterns in microbial diversity and their relationship with ecosystems functioning via a combined molecular, metabolic and pigment approach. 5. Use the information gained (especially on microbial functional groups and nutrient stoichiometry) to formulate and refine mathematical food web models that realistically incorporate biologically mediated cycling of carbon and nitrogen in polar waters.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Advances in understanding of the current state of polar regions via provision of new spatially and temporally resolved pelagic biogeochemical data sets [Theme 1 – State]. Advances in understanding change in polar regions via improved understanding of pelagic microbial processes and diversity, and via improved ecosystem/food web models for predicting the consequences of global change [Theme 2 – Change]. Advances in understanding microbial diversity [Theme 4 – New Frontiers] Education and training of research students to provide the next generation of polar oceanographers [Target 2 – Education/Outreach and Communication]

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Collaboration with French, Norwegian and Swedish scientists to enhance scientific expertise and enable a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to experimental studies.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Greenland and Norwegian Seas. Kongsfjord, Svalbard. Central Arctic and Southern Ocean should opportunities arise.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007 – 2011            
Antarctic: 2007 – 2011            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice strengthened research ship (RRV James Clark Ross – Requested by SAMS 2007/09) Experimental marine research station at Ny-Alesund, Svalbard (SAMS as partner). Facilities co-ordinated by SAMS can be potentially shared (see SAMS NORTHERN SEAS – ARCTIC EOI). Access to other polar regions (e.g. Central Arctic basin, Antarctic) would enhance project.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Possible development of an experimental ice laboratory (at Dunstaffnage) for coupled physical/biogeochemical studies on sea ice dynamics.

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

Core logistic provision via the Scottish Association for Marine Science (see SAMS NORTHERN SEAS – ARCTIC EOI)

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
YES: The current SAMS Northern Seas Core Programme has been approved and funded by NERC UK and reviewed and endorsed by the 2004 Science and Management Audit of SAMS. SAMS Northern Seas 2, which will incorporate the research proposed in this EOI, will be reviewed in 2006 (see SAMS NORTHERN SEAS – ARCTIC EOI).

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

Expansion of SAMS Northern Seas 2 Core Programme (see SAMS NORTHERN SEAS – ARCTIC EOI)

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be coordinated via the SAMS Northern Seas Core Programme. It will be led by Dr R Leakey (UK) with streering committee comprising Dr E Fouilland (France), Dr E Hegseth (Norway) and Dr Sten-Åke Wängberg (Sweden).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project will involve training of PhD students via established host institute research student training programmes.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data management will be coordinated by the full-time SAMS Data Data management will be coordinated by the full-time SAMS Data Manager according to SAMS protocols. This methodology links closely to the British Oceanographic Data Centre where archival of SAMS data takes place. SAMS provides web-based information and resource capability for all its collaborative projects (www.sams.ac.uk).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Via national funding bodies and via host institute core research funding.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The project is one of a number of co-ordinated projects involving the Scottish Association for Marine Science (see SAMS NORTHERN SEAS – ARCTIC EOI). It is related to the ARCTOS QUALITY IPY EOI

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Ray Leakey
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory
Oban, Argyll
PA37 1QA
UK

Tel: +44 (0)1631 559230
Mobile: no
Fax: +44 (0)1631 550001
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation