Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Amundsen Sea Embayment Plan: Modelling Synthesis Component  (ASEP Modeling)

Outline
This EoI represents the modelling synthesis component of the larger ASEP (http://igloo.gsfc.nasa.gov/wais/links/ASEP-final.pdf) effort. The Amundsen Sea basin is a compelling region for glaciologic modelling. Ice dynamics here embraces a variety of ice flow styles and interactions with other components of ice sheet and climate systems. While the relevant issues are known, they have yet to be addressed in a thorough manner for predictive purposes. The IPY offers an ideal framework for such an effort. Issues that must be addressed by the ASEP modelling effort are summarised here. Multi-physics coupling. Dynamical components of the Amundsen Sea region important to ice sheet mass balance include; grounded ice, ice streams, ice shelves, ocean circulation, tides, climate, sea ice, and grounding line treatments of ice. Each dynamical component is represented by a separate physical model. Coupling models, while upholding fundamental conservation laws such as conservation of energy, momentum, and mass will be constitute a major undertaking of this research. Model Nesting. Each ice-dynamical component is characterized by distinct temporal and spatial scales. A second focus of model development will be the ability to nest model results in such a way that coarse scale runs provide essential inputs for finer scale runs, which have both improved resolution and more detailed physics. Advanced treatment of basal conditions. This is a key focus of modern ice sheet model development and includes such topics as till fabric evolution and basal water flow. As there is a paucity of data relating to basal processes, generic formulations will be implemented, allowing a number of scenarios to be investigated quickly, and setting the stage for future efforts. ASEP models will incorporate new data gathered by remote and ground-based operations conducted as part of the overall IPY effort. These data will be used to evaluate model performance and to drive models toward a present-day condition that will in turn form the basis for future-change simulations, including ice-sheet effects on sea level and ocean circulation. The framework model presented in a separate EoI by Dr. Antony Payne is a logical platform for this effort although other options are possible. The framework would be extended in a manner that is consistent with the communal and collaborative nature of that work as part of the broader IGY internationalization and outreach efforts.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
While Theme I is more directly assessed by other components of this umbrella ASEP EoI, having the best possible assessment of current environment is a prerequisite for the focus here, which will be Theme 2 and its consequences for both Themes 4 and 5. In addition to independent model developments and insights gained from them, collaborative work with framework ice-sheet model (a shared, extensible “community” model) developers will provide an immediate demonstration of the utility of the framework vision. Models developed as part of this ASEP modelling initiative will be freely available to all interested researchers.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Ice sheet modelling is a thoroughly international and cross disciplinary pursuit. This is demonstrated by the list of proposers, section 4.0. The ASEP modelling initiative will involve close collaboration with framework ice-sheet model developers and with specialists in oceanic and atmospheric modelling.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
No field work involved.

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
One of the aims of the project will be to develop a modelling framework with shared data and programming protocols, as well as model benchmarks, which will serve the community in years to come.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Submission of proposals will be coordinated on an international level by the listed participants.

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

It is built on the original ASEP, itself an outgrowth of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) initiative. It also includes goals of the recently approved multifaceted BAS project GRADES (including the IMAGES, TIGRIS and QWAD components).

How will the project be organised and managed?
We propose having biannual organizational meetings to coordinate modelling activities and form a steering committee. Further, student exchanges will be used to facilitate communication between parties between organizational meetings. When and wherever possible, the biannual meetings will be coordinated with existing meetings such as the annual WAIS meeting, AGU, etc. Additional electronic means (web site, video conferencing, source code control systems) of discourse will be exploited where ever possible.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Likely funding agencies (NSF and NASA in the US, NERC in the UK) already require strong education and outreach programs as well as a strong emphasis on demonstrating societal benefit. These outreach efforts will be coordinated to highlight their role in the IPY.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The product of this research is unique in that it is a model that will be a functional program usable by anyone that cares to take the time to learn how to use it. It will be made accessible through well know data repositories such as the National Snow/Ice Data Center (NSIDC).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The West Antarctic research community will pursue funding for this research through existing programs and IPY budget augmentations.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This proposal anticipates participation by a large cross-section of the international West Antarctic Ice Sheet community who have already expressed interest through participation in the several workshops that resulted in the Amundsen Sea Embayment Project (ASEP) Science and Implementation Plan (http://igloo.gsfc.nasa.gov/wais/links/ASEP-final.pdf). Other participants currently known are: Dr. Laurie Padman oceanography, Earth Space Research Prof. James L. Fastook, glaciology, University of Maine

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Jesse Johnson
University of Montana
Department of Computer Science
Social Science Building, Room 417
59812-5256
USA

Tel: (406) 243-2356
Mobile: no
Fax: (406) 243-5139
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation