Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Climate-related changes in Arctic Fjord-systems  (CAT)

Outline
The proposed project is a multidisciplinary approach to study the possible effects on Arctic ecosystems of a increased heat content in world oceans and the possible altered influx of warm Atlantic water (AW) to the Arctic. Also, the project takes into account possible effects of a reduced Arctic ice cover. Marine bio-production in the Arctic is primarily based on phytoplankton in the water column and micro-algae associated with ice. Duration of ice-cover is related also to other structuring forces acting on pelagic and benthic ecosystems because it limits available light in the water column and thus the period of new energy production. In addition to being influenced by AW, Isfjorden provides an excellent and relatively stable ice edge model system for short and long term exploration of the nature and complexity of climate change effects on diverse marine Arctic systems. Billefjorden (inner part of Isfjorden) is a relatively deep fjord where cold subsurface water masses are produced by winter cooling and ice freezing. The sill in Billefjorden separates this locally produced Polar water from the transformed Atlantic water in Isfjorden. The spring ice edge retreat in a predictable manner from above the Atlantic derived water outside the sill and subsequently exposes the polar water inside the sill. This provides us with an excellent analogy to the less predictable transitions occurring in the Barents and Greenland Seas where ice is dynamically moving northward across the Polar Front that separates Polar and Atlantic water masses. A comparative and year-round study in the S. Hinlopen will provide opportunity to test both the importance of an ice cover and the relative importance of multi-year ice. Also, we will be able to do detailed analyses of a high Arctic ecosystem and relate these findings to those of a system more influenced by warm Atlantic water.Within the program we will: - Develop a strong cross-disciplinary group at UNIS with a focus on marine climate research. - Promote and implement technological and computational advances that improve the monitoring, analyses and predictive modeling of the ice edge community dynamics under the effects of climate change (e.g. global warming). - Provide the necessary information and theoretical background for a possible future study of the characteristics of system state changes that may occur in ecosystems experiencing major changes in its physical environment. - Take maximum use of the existing available infrastructure available in Svalbard as a field laboratory.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will explore new frontiers by providing unprecedented year-round data from marine systems in the high Arctic. Oceanographic conditions (CTD, currents, chemistry), biological samples and remotely sensed data will be collected throughout the year. This will provide unique datasets from high Arctic ecosystems, which may also be used as a starting point for a future monitoring program. Hold against the physical background, these data and the remotely sensed air-born (satellites and plane) hyper-spectral data will provide excellent opportunities to study most aspects of the ecosystem in Isfjorden.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration is first sought through ARCTOS (ARCTic marine ecOSystem research network, http://www.nfh.uit.no/arctos/). However, through the data obtained in the high Arctic in this program, there are also ample possibilities to combine this with other IPY projects focusing on the Antarctic.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The project will focus on two areas in Svalbard; Isfjorden and Hinlopen. Isfjorden is highly influenced by AW brought in by the WSC, characterised by open water in the outer parts and mainly first-year ice in the inner part during the winter. The other area (S. Hinlopen) is dominated by cold Arctic water throughout the year, and is strongly influenced by multi-year ice from the Arctic ocean.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 01/2006 – 12/2008            
Antarctic: potentially 2007-2008            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The project will mainly utilize UNIS facilities in Isfjorden, whereas a temporary research station at the east coast of Spitsbergen must be established. In both areas, access to ship, ROV and helicopter will be necessary. All infrastructure can be used also by other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The projects will mostly use the newly established infrastructure in Longyearbyen (UNIS) and Ny-Ålesund.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Expression of interest are to be sent simultaneous to the national committee in Norway

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 organised in different modules related to oceanography, bio-optical and biological aspects. Each module will have one assigned leader, these will in turn constitute the steering committee of the project. Also, the project will be operated within the exsisting ARCTOS nettwork.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
There is a large international student population at UNIS, who will find excellent master’s or PhD thesis topics within the proposed rogram.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The data management will be handled within the operating data management system in associated Institutes, ICES and other bodies which the Institute has agreement with. In addition the Consortium will apply the general principles which are demanded from funding bodies (EU etc).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
A full proposal of this project will be submitted to the Norwegian Research Council.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Ongoing projects and co-operation are described in: http://www.nfh.uit.no/arctos/

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Jørgen Berge
UNIS
Pb 156
Longyearbyen
9171
Norway

Tel: +4779023300
Mobile: +4790169125
Fax: +4779023301
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation