Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Climate, Ocean, Plankton and Seabirds in a Changing European Arctic  (AUK)

Outline
Polish marine ecologists have been conducting integrated observations on West Spitsbergen current, zooplankton occurrence and little auks feeding in the South Spitsbergen area every summer since 1987. Results show shifts in Atlantic and Arctic water, zooplankton occurrence, overall energy value of food base for seabirds, and changes in their feeding areas. This project links observed phenomena to the North Atlantic Oscillation, wind patterns, and primary productivity in a coherent view of the changing Arctic marine ecosystem. This project is a case study of a more general phenomenon of warming in the Arctic ocean and its biological consequences.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project is a multidisciplinary case study presenting cascading effects of environmental change in the Arctic. This study is one of the few studies that examine the effects of climate change on all trophic levels of the Arctic food web. With the collaboration of biological and physical oceanographers, ornithologists and ecologists we will be able to assess the current state of the Arctic ecosystem and our data could be used to help predict how climate change will impact complex food webs in future. Our unique data set will be shared through web pages and through articles for the public.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Norsk Polarinstitutt, Tromso- Norway AKVAPLAN- NIVA, Tromso – Norway Pomona College, USA University of Fairbanks, USA Danish Polar Center, Copenhagen

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The area between Jan Mayen (72oN), Bjornoya (73oN), Sorkapp (76oN), Kongsfjorden (79oN) and NE Greenland (77oN) are of project interest

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06-07/2005 – 06- 07/2008            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
r/v “OCEANIA” r/v “LANCE” or “Jan Mayen” Polish Polar Station in Hornsund Ny Alesund Research Facilities in Kongsfjorden Danish Polar Center facilities in East Greenland

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
no

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Polish National Committee for IPY

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?
Yes

Project is underway for several years, as a cluster of cooperating activities. The IPY will allow us to strengthen the logistics and organisation of the project.

How will the project be organised and managed?
There will be international Steering Committee, from parties delivering the key facilities (research ships and coastal stations)

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Since 1987. Students from USA and Poland will be involved in the project collecting data for undergraduate, Master’s degree and doctorate theses. Results will be published in scientific peer reviewed journals and we will present our findings at scientific meetings.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Dedicated, open for public web page, presenting old data gathered

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National Funds from respective ministries, international funds applications (NSF, NRC etc)

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This study is a multidisciplinary study with international collaborators in the true spirit of the celebration of the International Polar Year. The IPY will allow us to strengthen and expand our network of collaborators. The IPY will be an excellent opportunity for us to make our data set available to the larger community of Polar scientists and to present our findings on Arctic climate change to the general public.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Slawomir Kwasniewski
Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences
Powstancow Street, Warszawy 55
Sopot
81-712
Poland

Tel: 048-58-5517283
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation