Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Exploitation of in situ and satellite data for numerical modelling of the polar troposphere.  (Polar THORPEX)

Outline
The aim in this proposal is to improve the impact of remote sensing data and other observations in meteorological models over polar regions. The scope ranges from high resolution numerical weather prediction to climate modelling. The motivation comes from several applications: 1) Regional weather forecasting: In polar areas there are strong needs for accurate weather forecasts. Further model-based ocean, ice and wave forecasting needs accurate forcing fields. 2) Medium range (global) weather forecasting: Improved model quality in polar areas influences forecasts at mid and high latitudes. 3) Climate studies: Regional as well as global climate modelling is sensitive to the description of processes in the polar atmosphere. The radiation budget is sensitive to the model parameterisation of clouds and water cycle. There are needs for evaluation of model performance and further developments on these aspects. The objectives of the project are twofold. The first is on forecasting and to which degree an improved use of satellite data and an optimized observational network will give better forecasts of fast developments (explosive cyclogenesis in general and polar lows and other small scale cyclones in particular). The second objective is on a better understanding of microphysical properties of clouds in Arctic regions and the possibility of improving parameterisation schemes for use in numerical weather prediction and climate models. These two objectives are closely related. Satellites measure the radiation from the earth-atmosphere system. Optimal utilization of the data is dependent on consistent treatment of the measurement contribution from the surface (sea ice, open water or various land surface types), and the atmosphere where the presence of clouds and water vapour is a most important issues. Beside satellite data, ground based remote sensing data and surface data will be utilized. For example troposphere LIDAR systems will be used in conjunction with other measurements (satellite, aircraft) to study poorly known aspects of ice crystals in semi-arctic cirrus clouds, e.g., particle shape and size. These properties are crucial for the radiative properties of the clouds, both in the longwave and shortwave. The proposed research activities will include: Data collection, co-location and comparison of satellite data, in situ measurements and model simulations. Forward modelling techniques relating satellite measured signals to observed and modelled parameters will be used. Further it implies evaluation and developments of the description of physical process in both NWP and climate models. The project will also be a part of the WMP programme THORPEX.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will contribute to improved weather forecast capability in polar areas. Further, if successful, the project will contribute to better understanding and description of the surface, cloud and water vapour influence on the radiation budget in these areas. This in turn have implications both for numerical weather prediction and climate model simulations. (Theme 1,2 and 3)

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project involves collaborative activities between operational meteorological centres and universities engaged in polar atmosphere science. The initiative also has a special focus on the utilisation of the European Polar System which is the EUMETSAT polar satellite program to be launched in 2006 and on the US NPP and NPOESS programs.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The project focuses on the whole Arctic and Antarctic regions with options for special focus on regional areas.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The activities require access (rapid) to meteorological satellite data as organized through NOAA and EUMETSAT and national met centres. Further model and computing resources is required and will be available through existing facilities at met centres.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will leave updated methods for exploitation of satellite data as well as improved diagnosis of the Arctic atmosphere. Improved parameterization schemes for clouds and microphysics at high latitudes (ice-clouds) are envisaged. This in turn leads to better weather and climate prediction.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
National agency
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

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?
Exp

This is partly a new project but will lean on already proposed activities (eg. THORPEX).

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be co-ordinated by one of the participating institutions (Norwegian Meteorological Institute).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Depending on sponsorship the project might support doctoral students. Further a plan for EOC will be developed.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Satellite data and model results will be treated in accordance with general international policy regarding operational meteorology.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will seek funded through: - National research funding - International programs (EU FP 6/7) - Internal contribution

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Thor Erik Nordeng
Norwegian Meteorological Institute
P.O. Box 43
Blindern
NO-0313
Norway

Tel: +4722963305
Mobile: no
Fax: +4722963050
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation