Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Measuring the Pacific Input to the Arctic via the Bering Strait  (Bering Strait Throughflow)

Outline
The Pacific input to the Arctic Ocean is important for the Arctic system for several major reasons:- it is a rich source of nutrients for arctic ecosystems,- it influences the Arctic water column (by bolstering the cold halocline layer in winter and by providing a subsurface source of heat in summer),- it is implicated in the seasonal melt-back of ice in the western Arctic,- it contributes significantly to Arctic and global freshwater budgets.The Bering Strait throughflow is also important outside the Arctic, with models indicating:- it has a controlling effect on the Atlantic thermohaline circulation,- it plays a role in global climate stability,- it is an integral component of the global hydrological cycle. Locally too, the flow through the Bering Strait:- dominates the hydrography and circulation of the Chukchi Sea, - is an efficient measure of integrated change in the Bering Sea.The Bering Strait, being a comparatively narrow (ca. 85km wide), shallow (ca. 50m deep) channel, is an excellent site to efficiently monitor the Pacific input to the Arctic. Since 1990, near-bottom moorings have measured water properties and flow through the strait and tracked the changes in heat and freshwater content in this throughflow. Unfortunately, between1994 and 2003 moorings have not been deployed in the western part of the strait due to lack of Russian EEZ permission. The proposed activity is to build on this historic data base and continue the long-term observations in this region, specifically- to expand the observations to include both channels of the strait, with better coverage both spatially and horizontally (to elucidate the mechanisms of the flow, and to assess the importance of stratification, deemed to be essential for freshwater estimates),- to extend the scope of the measurements from primarily physical parameters to biogeochemical tracers,- using insitu measurements, satellite observations and atmospheric model data, to design an efficient and effective monitoring system for the Bering Strait throughflow.This work is valuable to a wide variety of research communities and disciplines, especially the international oceanographic program ASOF (Arctic and SubArctic Fluxes), the international modelling project AOMIP (Arctic Ocean Model Intercomparison Project), and national programs e.g. BEST (Bering Sea Ecosystem Study), the NSF Freshwater Initiative, and the Beaufort Gyre System Study. Coupled to the observational program are outreach activities to local communities, K-12 education in Alaska and Washington, university students and the general public.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
- an assessment of climate and ecosystem change in the Pacific input to the Arctic Ocean- an improved understanding of the driving mechanisms of the Bering Strait Throughflow, leading to design of an optimum observing network- an advancement of our understanding of Pacific-Arctic interactions

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
- collaboration with Russian scientists via NOAA-funded activities in region, led by John Calder of NOAA- collaboration with Canadians for analysis of satellite data in the Bering Strait- provision of data for international modelling efforts (especially state-of-the-art Arctic models, e.g. AOMIP project)- provision of observational results for national and international regional research

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Bering Strait, southern Chukchi Sea

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: summer 2005 - summer 2009            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ship-time (no ice class necessary )for mooring deployment and recovery and accompanying hydrographic surveys. Some mooring equipment

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes- the continuation of a data set initiated in 1990, monitoring a key input to the Arctic- recommendation of an efficient monitoring scheme for the Bering Strait- an improved understanding of the driving forces of the throughflow, adding quality to prior measurements of the throughflow

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Bering Strait measurements have been endorsed internationally by many oceanographic and global climate research groups (e.g. ASOF, SEARCH, etc) and have been funded by ONR, NSF and NOAA at various times since 1990

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?


Bering Strait measurements have been funded by ONR, NSF and NOAA at various times since 1990. A proposal for measurements in US waters from 2005 onwards is currently under review at NSF. NOAA is considering further funding of measurements in the Russian EEZ.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project is made up of several, separately funded proposals. Lead PIs will be responsible for their own parts of the work, and will work together for coordination between projects. This mode of operation has proved successful for our previous projects in the region.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
- K-12 outreach through participation of teachers from Alaska and Washington in cruises, coupled with class room visits- outreach to the local communities and the general public via visits from scientists and a public website- outreach to the science community, by accessibility of data and data products

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data will be archived at national data archives in line with NSF requirements.In addition, data and data products (especially those required for modelling activities) will be made available via a public website.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
An NSF proposal for mooring work (Woodgate & Weingartner) is currently under review. Further NSF proposals will be submitted for biogeochemical tracers. NOAA is considering funding of measurements in the Russian EEZ. The Canadian part of the project will also seek national resources.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project is in close collaboration with two other IPY projects, viz:1) Causes and Impacts of Recent Changes in the Pacific Arctic - Lead Contact: John Calder2) Ocean transports across 66N from satellite altimetry, numerical models and insitu observations - Lead Contact: Josef Cherniawsky

PROPOSER DETAILS

Rebecca Woodgate
University of Washington
1013 NE 40th Street
Seattle
WA 98105
USA

Tel: 1-206-221-3268
Mobile: no
Fax: 1-206-616-3142
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation