Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Radiative energy disposition in the coupled-atmosphere-snow-ice-ocean system  (RADICE)

Outline
Whereas ocean currents play an important role for climate on a global scale, the radiative interaction between the atmosphere and the ocean is a factor of paramount importance in the Arctic where the net radiation is the largest component of the surface energy budget. The effect of clouds on the surface energy budget has important implications for the extension of the polar ice cover, which is highly sensitive to the surface irradiance. Also, the cloud cover is very important for the primary production, since it regulates the amount of light available for photosynthesis. Solar radiation is affecting snow metamorphism, which reduces the surface albedo, leading to further metamorphism (grain growth), increased snow temperature and reduction in snow and ice thicknesses (surface albedo feedback mechanism). Changes in the thickness of snow and sea ice will change the optical properties of the snow and ice system and hence cause a change in the amount of UV radiation and Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) reaching the aquatic environment. Furthermore, a potential increase in ice temperature will change its transparency due to melting and enlargement of brine pockets. Accurate modelling of irradiances in snow and ice requires sophisticated methods (Hamre et al., 2004; Jiang et al., 2005). It is very important to take into account the tight radiative coupling between the atmosphere and the snow-sea ice-ocean system, and also the change in refractive index that occurs at the interface between the atmosphere/snow and sea ice/ocean. Such coupling effects may cause the downward irradiance to increase by 75% just beneath the air-ice interface, and the enhancement is much larger under clear sky than under cloudy conditions (Jiang et al., 2004). We propose to use a combination of field measurements, state-of-the-art radiative transfer modelling, and satellite data to enhance our understanding of the disposition of solar energy in this coupled system. The impact of changes in cloudiness will be emphasized, and snenarios for different sea ice types, and the effects of snow on the ice as well as melt ponds will be studied. The end goal is to enhance our understanding of the solar energy disposition in this coupled system, and how it affects climate evolution, and primary production in the polar regions, and the Arctic in particular. Hamre, B., J.-G. Winther, S. Gerland, J. J. Stamnes, and K. Stamnes, Modeled and measured optical transmittance of snow covered first-year sea ice in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, J. Geophys. Res., 109, d0i:10.1029/2003JC001926, 2004. Jiang, S., K. Stamnes, W. Li and B. Hamre, Enhanced Solar Irradiance Across the Atmosphere-Sea Ice Interface: A Quantitative Numerical Study, Appl. Opt., in press, 2005.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
A better understanding of the interaction of solar radiation with the polar environment will significantly advance our ability to model climate and thus predict climate changes and related effects on regional as well as global scales. Ecosystem models also require accurate radiation input. Simulations have shown that the phytoplankton biomass obtained by using realistic light regimes in a simple biological model is very different from that obtained by using commonly adopted simplistic light models. Satellite remote sensing of the polar regions relies heavily on the use of radiative transfer models. Accurate treatments of atmosphere-surface interactions in such models is a prerequisite for reliable retrievals of atmosphere and surface parameters including surface albedo, water quality parameters and primary production in the ocean as well as on land.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Stevens Institute of Technology, (USA); University of Bergen (Norway); Norwegian Polar Institute (Norway)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Svalbard (Ny-Åesund), Fram Strait

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007-2008 (peak activity in May-June)            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
For fieldwork on Svalbard, the research base of the Norwegian Polar Institute (Sverdrup Station) will be used as a logistical base. For work in the Fram Strait, it is anticipated to join scientific cruises (e.g. with RV "Lance").

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will improve the existing infrastructure.

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

Logistic support will be provided by the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Endorsement will be sought at both the national and 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?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be self-managed.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This requirement will be addressed by the June 2005 deadline.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
This requirement will be addressed by the June 2005 deadline.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
FundiFunding will be sought through national funding agencies.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Knut Stamnes
Stevens Institute of Technology
Castle Point on Hudson
Hoboken
NJ 07030
USA

Tel: 201-216-8194
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation