Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Investigation of greenhouse gases sources in Arctic.  (The Arctic Climate and Greenhouse Effect (ACGE))

Outline
The key role of greenhouse gases in formation of the global climate is well known now. But the influence of greenhouse gases on local climate is varied over different regions. It was shown that in Northern part of Russia there are regions, where ground level temperature is very sensitive to changes of greenhouse gases content. One of these regions is located in the North of West Siberia. This region is powerful source of natural (large northern wetlands) and anthropogenic (main Russian gas fields) methane. Significant increasing of air temperature in this region can stimulate thawing of permafrost and additional emission of methane to atmosphere, thus creating positive feedback.At the same time greenhouse gases concentration data in Russian Arctic is very limited. More information about distribution and the sources of greenhouse gases in Russian Arctic is needed for studying the influence of greenhouse gases on Arctic climate. The authors of the project have more than 15 years experience in greenhouse gases monitoring, performing the program at two acting stations at Russian Arctic (Teriberca, Kola peninsula and New Port, Yamal peninsula). The required measurement precision is confirmed by the inter-comparison with the leading European laboratories in the frame of Meth-MonitEUr project. Main Aims 1) CO2 and CH4 measurements in Russian Arctic: a) Field campaign measurements (flask sampling program and continuous measurements) in the region of major West Siberian gas fields. The region is the source of natural methane emission too. b) Ship measurements over Arctic Seas by flask sampling. c) Performing of intensive program at two acting stations (Teriberca, Kola Peninsula and New Port, Yamal Peninsula).d) Surface measurements over Antarctic Peninsula by flask and box sampling. 2) Isotopic measurements ( 13CH4 and 13CO2) of the air samples, collected at above measurement sites for identifying of type of the sources. 3) Estimation of greenhouse gases emission from major natural and anthropogenic sources of the North of West Siberia on the base of experimental data by using 3-D regional transport model. 4) Investigation of relations between air temperature and greenhouse gases contents.5) Back trajectory analyses for identifying of air pollution transport in Arctic and Antarctic.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The improving and extension of our knowledge concerning the variations of carbon dioxide and methane concentrations in Russian Arctic, source intensity of greenhouse gases in key areas of Siberia where massive gas field, permafrost and wetland emissions occur.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We hope to extend the cooperation developed in the frames of EU project MethMonitEUr by involving Royal Holloway University of London, UK (Dr. E Nisbet, Dr. D. Lowry) into the proposed project for performing isotopic measurements of the air samples.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Region of main Russian gas fields and northern wetlands, North-West Siberiaand Kola Peninsula (Barents sea coast), Arctic seas, Antarctic Peninsula (King George Island).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: July 2007 – August 2007      March 2008-April 2008      July 2008 – August 2008
Antarctic: December 2005 – February2006      December 2006 – February2007      December 2007 – February2008

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Research ship cruises for air sampling program in Arctic seas and Russian Antarctic Expedition support for flask measurements at Russian Antarctic Bellingshausen station

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?
The project is endorsed by national agenciesRoshydrometRussian National Federal Programme “World Ocean”Russian Antarctic ExpeditionOrganizing Committee of the Russian Federation for the IPY 2007/2008.

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

This project is an extension of existing activity, supported by Russian Government and EU (GMES Meth-MonitEUr Project).

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be self-managed.The coordinator – Dr. A.I.Reshetnikov – responsible for field campaigns arrangement and sampling program.Principal investigators: Dr. V.Privalov – Research Center for Remote Sensing of Atmosphere (branch of Main geophysical observatory), Russia – responsible for field campaigns carrying out. Dr. D. Lowry – Royal Holloway University of London, UK – responsible for isotopic analyses. Dr. S. Jagovkina – Main Geophysical Observatory, Russia – emission estimation by 3-D regional transport model.Dr. N. Paramonova - Research Center for Remote Sensing of Atmosphere (branch of Main geophysical observatory), Russia – responsible for data collection, verification of data quality, creation of database.Dr. V. Lagun - Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia – responsible for Arctic ships and Antarctic data collection, data management and quality control.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
1. Lessons in national languages describing the results of greenhouse concentration measurements in Russian Arctic and in Antarctic will be prepared.2. Results will be presented in the forums of scientific, as well as in public and social organisations.3. Press releases for newspapers and other print media will be prepared and radio/ television interviews will be given.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
1. The greenhouse concentration data will first be gathered by the principal investigators, and their quality will be assessed.2. The data will then be submitted to WDCGG. 3. The data will then be freely available on conditions established just after finishing the project.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Financial support is expected from:1. the national funding agencies,2. international funding agencies (e.g. European Union etc.)

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr. PhD Reshetnikov Alexander
Research Center for Remote Sensing of Atmosphere (branch of Main geophysical observatory), Russia
Voeikovo vill., Vsevologskiy region, Leningradskaya obl.
188685
Russia

Tel: (+007)8137075293
Mobile: no
Fax: (+007)8137075135
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation