Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Trace gas Observations at the Primary Arctic NDSC Station Ny-Ålesund (Koldewey Station, Spitsbergen)  (TOPAS)

Outline
The troposphere and stratosphere of the polar regions have been the focal point in atmospheric and climate research within the last decades. Major topics are the stratospheric ozone depletion in both Antarctica and the Arctic, the transport of pollution from industrialized areas to high-latitude regions as well as global warming. We are performing ground-based trace gas observations at Ny-Ålesund (Spitsbergen) by means of remote sensing instruments operating in the infrared, UV/Vis and microwave spectral region to measure the seasonal and long-term variability of numerous trace gases in the tropo- and stratosphere since 1992. The solar or lunar absorption spectroscopy using FTIR-spectrometry, the DOAS scattered light observations, and the microwave thermal emission radiometers allow to observe total column densities and trace gas profiles of some 20-30 trace gases. These observations allow to investigate several research topics that are of current interest: This includes the annual winter/springtime depletion and long-term recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer by measuring ozone, water vapour and key ozone-related chemical compounds such as HNO3, HCl, ClONO2, ClO and BrO. Our observations allow to cover the whole atmosphere and retrieve the concentration profiles of a few key compounds up to 70 km. Furthermore, the observations allow to study the tropospheric transport of pollutants from industrialized areas and from biomass burning into the high Arctic by measuring CO, CH2O, C2H6, HCN, OCS or others. Compared to in-situ observations our measurements also cover the free troposphere, where the long-range transport takes place. Finally, the measurements allow to investigate the seasonal variability as well as long-term trends of important greenhouse gases, such as CO2 or CH4 in the whole atmosphere from the surface into the stratosphere. The results from the high Arctic will be analysed and interpreted with respect to similar observations from the Antarctica. The FTIR-, UV/Vis- and microwave observations are part of the required facilities of an NDSC station (Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change). The station in Ny-Ålesund has been accepted in 1991 as a primary station within NDSC. The atmospheric measurements in Ny-Ålesund are performed jointly by the University of Bremen with the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The scientific studies are being carried out in a close cooperation with NILU (Kjeller/Norway), Caltech/JPL (Pasadena/USA), the University of Wollongong (Australia) and NIWA/Lauder (New Zealand).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The most significant topics are: - Determine the state of the tropo- and stratosphere in the high Arctic - Perform long-term observations for global change research - Study interactions between polar regions and lower latitudes - Study the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants on climate, ozone depletion and the carbon cycle - Validation of measurements from satellite instruments - Support activities carried out within the research priority “Global Change and Ecosystems” of the EU. - Make scientific data available to the international community by submitting the data to international data bases - Inform the general public of major results

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The University of Bremen and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research perform the observations and analysis in close cooperation with NILU (Kjeller/Norway), Caltech/JPL (Pasadena/USA), the University of Wollongong (Australia) and NIWA/Lauder (New Zealand).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
We propose to perform regular observations using existing FTIR, DOAS and microwave spectrometers at the Koldewey NDSC station in Ny-Ålesund (79°N, 12°E, 20 m asl) at Spitsbergen.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 01/2005-12/2008            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The station operators provide the logistical support (e.g. housing, power). Alfred Wegener Institute’s engineers perform the routine observations and maintenance. In addition, atmospheric scientists will be at the site for major maintenance work, instrument modifications and dedicated observing campaigns.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The observing activities are part of a long term monitoring effort (NDSC) and it is planned to continue after the end of IPY.

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

Logistic support for the station (e.g. housing, power, transportation) will be available in adequate form and sufficient quantity, no special additional effort is required.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The EU has endorsed the project by supporting various research campaigns such as ESMOS, ESMOS-ARCTIC, UFTIR, SOGE, SCUVS, QUILT. The BMBF has funded the development of the microwave spectrometer and is also providing funding for campaigns such as SCIA-RAM, SCIA-FTIR, SCIA-DOAS. The project is strongly supported by the NDSC. An endorsement by the German national IPY-commission is requested.

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?
Expansion

The project started in 1992. Observations have been performed regularly since then and are planned to be continued over a long time period as required in order to achieve the scientific goals outlined above.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The University of Bremen and the Alfred Wegener Institute will manage the project jointly. These partners have successfully operated the station for more than ten years.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project and activities are presented on the Internet site at the University of Bremen and the Alfred Wegener Institute. The work involves students and young scientists. We also offer information in the form of lectures and appropriate documents for the general public.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The existing management and links to appropriate databases (e.g. NDSC data base) are well established, the collected data can, and are being widely used by the scientific community. By publications in the open literature, both in scientific and non-scientific journals we will disseminate our measurements and scientific results.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The activities at the Koldewey station have been funded by EU, BMBF, HGF and by internal funding from the University and the Alfred Wegener Institute.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The principal goals of our atmospheric measurements at Ny-Ålesund within the NDSC network are: - To study the variability of the atmospheric composition and structure in order to provide early detection and subsequent long-term monitoring of changes in the physical and chemical state of the stratosphere. - To establish the links between changes in stratospheric ozone, UV radiation at the ground, tropospheric chemistry, and climate. - To provide independent calibrations and validations of space-based sensors of the atmosphere and to make complementary measurements. - To produce verified data sets for testing and improving multidimensional models of the atmosphere.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof Justus Notholt
University of Bremen
Otto-Hahn-Allee
Bremen
28334
Germany

Tel: +49-421-218-8982
Mobile: no
Fax: +49-421-218-4555
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation