Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Sources and Fates of Atmospheric Nitrogen in Terrestrial Arctic Systems  (SANTAS)

Outline
Reactive nitrogenous species are of particular interest in polar environments. They play an important role in atmospheric chemistry, act as key productivity-limiting nutrients in the sensitive ecosystems; and potentially represent valuable indicators of palaeoenvironmental conditions when preserved in ice core records. It is therefore surprising that no unified understanding of the N cycle in polar regions has yet been forged by researchers working in these major areas of environmental research. This proposal is directed toward this goal by aiming to establish the sources and fates of nitrogen in Ny Ålesund, Svalbard: a key node in the pan-Arctic monitoring network. It builds upon recent studies of the proposers at this and other polar sites, whose findings include: 1.Whilst transport of polluted tropospheric air from lower latitudes is a major source of nitrogen to the ground surface (Hodson et al, in press) with the capacity to contribute to extreme acidic events (pH < 4) on Svalbard, new 15N/14N and 18O/16O data for precipitation suggest there is an urgent need to assess stratospheric inputs of nitrate as well (Heaton et al, 2004). 2.The operation of an effective ion elution mechanism and the occurrence of melt in the Arctic means that the abundance and composition of nitrogenous species accumulating in ice cores and ecosystems will differ from atmospheric inputs. Further, these two stores of N are intricately linked as melt mobilises nitrogen for microbial assimilation within the snowpack, having an immediate impact upon the residual N stored in firn (Hodson et al, in Press). A better understanding of the provenance and post-depositional fate of N deposited in the European High Arctic therefore forms the basis of this proposal. Specifically, we intend to: 1.Produce the first budget and conceptual model of N delivery from tropospheric and stratospheric sources to Ny Ålesund. This will involve analysis of organic and inorganic phases of N, giving particular attention to NH4 and NOy and using tracers of 15N/14N, 18O/16O ratios, chemical tracers, ozone, particulate morphology and composition, 10Be/7Be and 210Pb in conjunction with air mass back trajectory analysis and ground-based observations of stratospheric/tropospheric air mass exchange. 2.Compare the chemistry and isotopic composition of snow accumulated during winter periods of the above measurements, and examine the subsequent evolution of the snowpack during the summer. This will involve repeat sampling of the snowpack and the collection of meltwaters from lysimeters installed prior to snowpack development.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will: 1) identify the major geographic sources of tropospheric nitrogen compounds, and the proportion of stratospheric nitrogen compounds deposited in the European Arctic at Svalbard [Theme 1]; 2) determine how these different sources may be distinguished by characteristic chemical and isotopic compositions [Theme 4]; 3) examine the transformations occurring during snow-melt and the dynamics of release of N nutrients to the surrounding environment [Theme 1]; and 4) assess how ice-cores may record past changes in nitrogen deposition rates and sources [Theme 2].

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Partners currently include researchers from the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany and Norway. Additional collaboration is likely as linkages are made with other IPY related projects (section 3.6)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Ny Alesund, Svalbard (78 N, European Arctic)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007      2008      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Existing field stations and research facilities

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
None anticipated

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

Logistical support for funded projects is readily available for Ny Alesund fieldwork

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project has been informally discussed

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

Largely a new initiative involving a new consortium of collaborators. But the project will make use of data being collected by existing facilities as part of existing and anticipated future programmes.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Project co-ordination and field logistics (Heaton, Hodson) Atmospheric sampling and air mass trajectories (Holmen, Paatero) PSC and ozone monitoring (Neuber) Isotopic analysis (Heaton, Paatero, Schnabel) Snow sampling and aqueous chemistry (Hodson)

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Communication via existing programmes of education at participating institutes (school liaison and university network seminars), websites (institute and IPY), and publication of arcticles in popular and specialist scientific press.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Primary data will be held by relevant national agency (AWI, NERC, NILU etc.). Synthesised data will be managed according to NERC Records Management System.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding from national agencies

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
We are aware of other proposals to IPY (e.g. AICI, CORBEL, SVALBLAT), and separate projects (OASIS, POLAP), with the potential to provide resources and data which would be a valuable compliment to this proposal. We welcome and will be seeking collaboration with these other groups.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Timothy Heaton
NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, British Geological Survey
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG
UK

Tel: +44 (0)115 936 3401
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation