Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Arctic HYCOS, an Arctic component of the WMO World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS)  (Arctic HYCOS)

Outline
The goal of the project is to initiate collection and routine exchange of quality controlled information on the river run-off to the Arctic Ocean in support to the Arctic climate change studies and regional water management. The objectives are: 1. Study of the requirements of modern climate studies and water management activities in hydrological data in the Arctic drainage basin. 2. Establishment of a regional hydrological information system for the Arctic drainage basin to include a combination of hydrological observation stations, technologies for data collection, processing, storage and dissemination according to procedures and practices agreed between the countries in the region and taking into account the WHYCOS approach and the WMO standards for hydrological data exchange. 3. Initiation of production of quality controlled hydrological cycle data and information on the major rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean. 4. Support to national hydrological services in the countries of the region in their efforts to improve the accuracy of river runoff measurements. 5. Improved assessment of interannual variability and trends in freshwater run-off into the Arctic Ocean. 6. Strengthened international cooperation in studying and assessments of hydrological processes in the Arctic rivers.The project development is expected to go through the following phases: 1. Preparations. 2. Data base development, work with historic data, development of quality control system, installation of pilot stations at four rivers. 3. Expansion to a circumpolar network. 4. Adding of large tributaries of Arctic rivers + borders.The first four rivers to be addressed by the Arctic HYCOS are Mackenzie (Canada), Pasvic (Norway), Pechora (European Russia), and Lena (Siberian Russia).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 1: Improved quantitative description of the Arctic river run-off, one of most important parameters of the environmental status of the region.Theme 2: Detailed estimates of the Arctic river run-off will enable more reliable projections of the Arctic climate.Theme 3: Better understanding of links between Arctic river run-off, fresh water balance of the Arctic Ocean, the global thermohaline circulation and climate. Theme 4: Water management enabled by better river run-off monitoring and understanding of hydrological changes in the past will improve life support systems for polar communities.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Arctic HYCOS is based on collaboration of hydrological services and research communities of Arctic countries and is a contribution to such international programmes as the WHYCOS, the World Climate Research Programme, the Global Climate Observing System and the WMO Hydrology and Water resources Programme. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program will also benefit from the monitoring of Arctic rivers.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Arctic HYCOS domain coincides with the Arctic rivers drainage area but the initial observations will be conducted at marine estuaries of polar rivers.

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Hydrological stations for measurement of the river run-off into the Arctic Ocean need to be upgraded, operated, quality controlled, maintained. Historical and current data from the stations need to be communicated to project participants and the Regional Project Centre (PRC) . Supply of consumables, support to the stations can be shared with regular supply operations to the polar infrastructure.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Arctic HYCOS should be initiated during the IPY and should remain as its legacy serving the need of climate monitoring, research, local economies as well as water resources and coastal management.

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

The Arctic HYCOS infrastructure should become part of the hydro - meteorological service of Arctic countries. Whilst its installation may be supported by external sources of funding, the maintenance will require sustained support from national sources.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The proposal was approved by ACSYS/CliC SSG-II (Halifax, 2001), GEWEX SSG-XIV (Reading, 2002), ACSYS/CliC SSG-IV (St. Petersburg, 2003) and CliC SSG-I (Hobart, 2004). It was positively considered by the WMO Commission for Hydrology in 2004 and included in the list of WMO proposals for IPY. National endorsement is required.

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?


Arctic HYCOS is a new part of the global WHYCOS programme of WMO

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will have two co-leaders, a Steering Committee, representatives from the parties, links to national hydrometeorological services and research communities. The project proposal will be amended and agreed by the participants.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The WHYCOS, to which Arctic HYCOS will report, has a strong capacity building component. Results from the project will be published in scientific literature and this information can be used in the learning process.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project will adhere to the WHYCOS data management principles and the WMO Resolution No. 25. The quality controlled data will be assembled at the Arctic HYCOS Data Centre based at the Global Run-off Data Centre in Koblenz, Germany.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Requests for funding will be prepared and sent to funding bodies, including, most likely, the World Bank. Sustained funding after the IPY will be very challenging to maintain but opportunities for that should be explored.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Arctic HYCOS will enable setting boundary conditions for modelling of the Arctic Ocean. It aims at providing necessary information for the Arctic component of the Global Ocean Observing System and should contribute to the newly established Global Terrestrial Network for Rivers.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Valery Vuglinsky
State Hydrological Institute
Second line, 23
St. Petersburg 199053

Russia

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Other project members and their affiliation