Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Evolution of Spitsbergen Glaciers in response to climate change  (SPIGLEVOL)

Outline
Climate warming influence processes within glacier systems in Spitsbergen, Svalbard by different ways. This has been noted on limited examples of glaciers located on western part of the island (Kongsvegen, Austre Broggerbreen, Midre Lovenbreen, Waldemarbreen, Werenskioldbreen, Hansbreen). They have long series of ground observations, maps and remote sensing analyses. Svalbard is recognized as representative area for Euro-Asian sector of the Arctic. Therefore, data from there are important for better understanding of changes of the land cryosphere system in the region. Spitsbergen has long tradition of glaciological studies with special reference to the 3rd IGY (1957/1958) and recent decades.We plan to extend studies of mass balance, hydrothermal structure, drainage system and dynamics to a set of glaciers not observed systematically before. Newly included ice masses to the observational net (Aavatsmarkbreen, Elisebreen, Fridtjovbreen, Renardbreen and Amundsen isen) represent different size and type. They might be treated as examples of particular stages of evolution of tidewater glaciers retreating from the sea to the land. Two glacier systems will be in foci of special interest: Hansbreen and Amundsenisen (S Spitsbergen). They are located close to the year-round operated Polish Polar Station – Hornsund. Hansbreen is a tidewater glacier with a riche set of different glaciological data. The problem of evolution of its internal structure (including drainage system) and dynamics due to climatic changes will be studied before and during the 4th IPY. Moreover, susceptibility of the glacier system to small but sudden external impacts (e.g. heavy snowfall, rain, atmospheric pressure) will be recorded (co-operation with the UBC, Canada). Modern, high resolution ground penetration radar (GPR) and 3 sets of automatic stations will be used for studies of surface and basal conditions. Amundsenisen is the thickest >750 m ice field in Svalbard. This accumulation area feeds four large outlet tidewater glaciers of surge type behaviour. GPR data suggests that thickest ice is located in a depression of the base surrounded by more elevated bedrock areas. Therefore, dynamic processes might affect only upper part of the glacier system. In the bottom part might still be present oldest ice in the region. We plan to undertake complex 3D survey of the glacier surface and its bedrock for planning of location of an ice core drilling to the bottom. Reconstruction of the past climate changes basing on the ice core analyses and direct studies of the internal structure of the accumulation area is one of the aim of the project. Samples of the bottom ice are potential sources for biological impurities, thus e.g. bacterial and genetic analyses. Existing data-base on mass balance, internal structure, dynamics and geometry changes (for different time slices) together with new obtained ground record and remote sensing data will be background for modelling the response of different glaciers to climate changes.The project should lead to significantly better understanding of the influence of climate warming to evolution of Arctic glaciers.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
• Conventional and specific datasets for different types of Spitsbergen glaciers. • A better understanding of the mechanism of evolution of sub-polar glaciers due to climate change. • Testing of improved methods and techniques to collect precise data on glacier parameters and processes in the field and by remote sensing. • Building of models that can be used to predict glacier evolution for different climate change scenarios. • Dissemination of results in scientific and popular form (education of the society on different levels). q1_7_collab : Wide international collaboration is planed and confirmed by partners from different countries. The project partly meet objectives of the International Arctic Science Committee programme and majority of leading scientists are involved in the activity of the IASC Working Group on Arctic Glaciology.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Wide international collaboration is planed and confirmed by partners from different countries. The project partly meet objectives of the International Arctic Science Committee programme and majority of leading scientists are involved in the activity.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Arctic, Svalbard, SPITSBERGEN – western part of the island.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/06 – 10/07      04/08 – 09/09      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Polish Polar Station, Hornsund (year-round operation), Ny Aalesund Station and Field Station of the N. Copernicus University, Kaffioeyra; Barentsburg facilities and cabins in Calypsobyen. - Snow vehicles - Ice strengthened ship (for equipment supply) - Helicopters - Satellite data centres (for acquiring images and other data sets) An attempt will be made to share part of the logistics with other projects (e.g. in Ny Aalesund and in Nordaustlandet, Svalbard).

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Rather limited. Laboratories and technical workshop at the Polish Polar Station. Modified RAMAC GPR, GPS receivers. Hot water drilling system in glaciers. Automatic weather stations.

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

It is planned close cooperation of particular research groups from participating countries. Cooperation might generate a consortium of national operators.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Accepted by the Polish National Committee for the IPY 2007/2008.Submitted for acceptation by Norwegian and Spanish National IPY Committees and an “umbrella” of the IASC Working Group on Arctic Glaciology.

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

The project is partly new. In the Polish section it is included to the National Polar Research Programme 2002-2010, accepted by the Ministry of Science.

How will the project be organised and managed?
A Steering Committee (5-6 members) will be established to run and coordinate the current matters (including the maintenance of a website linked to the IASC WGAG).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Initial ideas for EOC.Field courses for young scientists and students combined with field research in the project. Results will be included to lectures and laboratory classes at universities of participating partners. Interactive educational website.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Direct access for project members and collaborators will be managed at time of start of the project. After elaboration results and data will be widely available on the web site and submitted to the relevant international databanks (e.g. World data Centers for Glaciology, WMO).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Mainly from national funding organisations. For beginning of activity there are already granted projects in Poland (Ministry of Science) and Canada (NSRC) for the Hansbreen segment of the planned activity.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Jacek JANIA
Faculty of Earth Sciences,
University of Silesia, ul.
Bedzinska 60, Sosnowiec
PL 41-200
Poland

Tel:
Mobile: +48 502606170
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation